Finding God in the stillness

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

Every one of us needs to step away, on occasion, to let our everyday work go. We need this time to find solace, gain perspective, and remember that there is much beauty in the world, just waiting for us to rest in it. Such artistry is nothing short of a gift from God. 

Since 2014, my mother and I have been taking an annual trek together to explore Europe. We look forward to these excursions that bring sensational sights and meaningful memories. 

Unfortunately, just as I was starting our 2020 preparations, a new development changed the entire orchestration – COVID19. Not only did the world shut down during the first quarter, but European travel became an impossibility. While I considered alternate, domestic excursions, it became apparent that even a trip to see my family would prove challenging. 

Ultimately, I decided to join my mother and brother in Colorado for a trek to the Rocky Mountains. Not content to replicate an experience they had often repeated, I booked three cabins in unique locations over the course of our eight-day journey. I wanted to create remembrances that would be unique for this year’s adventure.

In 2019, for example, it was my goal to see a wooly, Highland cow in the rolling hills of northwestern Scotland. While many travelers may hope to see the Loch Ness Monster on such an expedition, my ambition was a bit more realistic – and far more satisfying. I’ll never forget the day we finally encountered one on the Isle of Skye.

Goal fulfilled, my heart soared. Thank you, Jesus, I exclaimed as I pulled the car over to take countess photos of the magnificent beast. 

This year, I became enthralled with the idea of seeing a native moose after viewing one in the pictorial overview of one of our rental cabins. While we weren’t able to travel abroad, encountering a moose in its own habitat would surely be a sight to make this year’s trip memorable.

On day one of what I’d labeled as the “Rocky and Bullwinkle Trip,” we walked from our rental cabin to Columbine Lake. Glorious, I thought, as I delighted in the crystal-clear water, mountain-studded horizon, and soaring osprey overhead. Respectful of the peace, my mother, brother, and I each took a seat by the lake and soaked in the silence. 

Shortly after sitting down, a splashing noise caught our attention, and we looked over to see a ripple in the water where a fish had just landed. A few moments later, another splash revealed that the trout were jumping out of the water at regular intervals. While they were undoubtedly feeding on insects, in my mind, the fish were jumping for joy at the majesty that surrounded them. 

Still basking in the lake’s tranquility, we decided to walk a little further around the community. A local resident passed us on the road and told us exactly what we’d hoped to hear: a moose was visiting a field, just ahead. 

Rushing on, I spotted the massive creature, casually chewing on willow branches in the evening twilight. Day one of our trip and God had already granted me both the peace and beauty of creation my heart so desperately needed.  

How often do we get caught up in our daily lives and neglect the love gifts that God bestows upon us? I strive to never do so – often stopping to photograph spectacular sunrises, flowers, and wildlife. Sundays, in particular, have become uniquely holy to me as I sit on my screen porch, looking out at my yard, appreciating the birds and squirrels that visit me while I’m writing.

In addition to the beauty, I am grateful for the serenity this time affords. “Be still and know that I am God,” said the Lord. It is in the stillness that we find Him – in the quietude that we hear His voice. 

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31) I gravitate to this respite. All humanity should do the same.

There is such a clamor in the world today – racial unrest, economic uncertainty, pandemic panic, and political division. It’s impossible to pick up a paper, watch the news, walk in a store, or even into a workplace without sensing the lack of security all around us. 

None of this exists in God’s world. Surrounded by His creation, in the great outdoors, it’s impossible not to feel the presence of God. Where man brings tumult, God brings placidity. 

While there are many other stories I will share about our time in the mountains, this first day served as a reminder of the higher plateau that I strive to dwell upon. We serve a higher purpose than the one the world demands. Christ is the Great I Am and He longs for us to take the time to stop and worship Him.

God is the Master Painter, Creator, and Orchestrator of the universe. Nature’s symphony sings of His glory. May we make it a priority to pause our busy lives to reflect on His majesty and join our voices in the chorus sung by creation in adoration of our awesome God. Stop and do so today.