Stillness in the storm

A new year, a new beginning.

 

It has so much potential and the expectation were high. We were so expectant that this year was going to be the year that the phrase #20Plenty was often use. Then the year came, and it brought for sure “plenty”.

Perhaps we should have been clearer and stipulated what type of “plenty” we wanted more of, because instead of the assumption that we were all lined up for plenty of good stuff, many are still enduring plenty of challenges, lots of obstacles and potentially more than one storm.  

 

During storms like we have gone through, or is still going through, it is critical to not be completely overwhelmed and get blown away by the wind. We need to still our minds, anchor our faith and steady our ships. This we can do by maintaining a stillness in our minds, purpose and faith.

 

Stillness in Mind

We are rational beings and one of the first things we as humans do, is trying to make sense of a situation, define it and look at it from every angle. This is not always helpful or healthy as many things that we worry about during a specific time, are short lived and will come to pass. We just end up with a cluttered mind.

 

We need to maintain a healthy mental wellness and keep our thoughts from not running wild. This for me was one of the first things to look after because if my mindset is wrong, everything else could follow as well.  

 

During a storm or season of uncertainty like we are facing, it is imperative that we look after our:

• Body, we must sleep well, move enough by walking or some sort of exercise. Remember that a healthy body hosts a healthy mind.
• Relationships: Keep connecting with friends and family and don’t isolate yourself. Isolation can have such a negative impact on your life as we are social beings.
• Mindset: Make sure you feed your mind good and uplifting input. Read an inspirational book or read the Bible more. Listen to good podcasts or sermons or worship music. Feed your mind with positive uplifting content and your thoughts and mindset will be positive as well. Make sure you minimize negative input. Be very aware of the amount of social media and news you expose yourself to. With this I don’t for a second suggest that we are not staying informed, but too much of negative input will drastically diminish your mental wellness. Be vigilant and make sure the first and last thing you read in the day, is something positive and faith filled.
• Skillset: Perhaps you could sharpen a current skillset of yours, or develop a completely new one, depending on the circumstances you are inn. It could be very positive as you are learning and the satisfaction and confidence that can come from that is brilliant.

 

All the above will assist us in maintaining a positive mindset. I’m all too often reminded of the Paul’s writing in Romans 12:2 that says: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

 

It also helps to quiet our busy thoughts. David wrote is so beautifully in Psalms 94:19 “Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down (made me still) and overwhelmed me with delight.” Wow, what a verse!

 

Instead of having out of control thoughts, it is clearly written in Psalms 46:10 (NIV) “be still and know that I am God.”

 

We have to make the decision to keep a healthy mind and refuse to be drowned in the unknown or in fear. Choose to live in victory, every day, even though there might be many things that are uncertain. 2 Tim 1: 17 encourages us as it states, “for God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and of a sound mind.” Keep your sound mind.

 

 

Stillness in Purpose

During this crazy season we are all in, almost all people have endured challenges with their jobs or businesses, incomes to keep the family going and trying to make ends meet, relationship pressures or potentially health challenges.

 

Our struggles might not always have answers in the moment, but even when we can’t see it, they always have a purpose.

 

Romans 8:28 – “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose”

 

Through all the uncertainty we must still remain resolute in our purpose and what God has called us for. We might need to pivot in the way we go about it but stand firm in your purpose.

 

The purest gold needs to go through the hottest fire. I often say this to myself and a couple of times I must admit, it has truly felt like just some cute slogan and the proverbial Band-Aid on the wound, but when I look back afterwards, it really was a refining process and I am better having come through it. Perhaps this could a season for you to be refined, purified, to recreate or reinvent yourself.

 

Whatever we do one thing is for sure, we cannot go back. We have to move forward like Moses and the Israelites had to as they finally left Egypt. There was no looking back and they could only trust God to lead them. They had to let go of what was behind them and look towards the future.

 

We have to look forward to the future ahead with trust and faith in God. He knew that we were going to go through this time. He also knows exactly what YOU are going through and so perhaps the best question to ask is not “why this is happening?”; but rather “what does God want me to learn?”.

 

Stillness in Faith

Perhaps this storm we are all facing could be a new way for us all to answer this question again: In what or whom do we really place your faith? Is it in God, our own strengths or something else?

 

I trust that your faith in God is still strong and perhaps a bit stronger than that of the disciples on the sea when they were hit with a storm whilst Jesus was sleeping. In this story Jesus showed us how to be calm in the midst of the storm while the disciples were freaking out as the water was filling up the boat. Jesus rose from his sleep and said: “be calm”, and the storm subsided. He can do the same for you.

 

Look again at what Moses did as he stood in front of the red sea, with thousands of Israelites behind him with nothing more than a stick in his hand, and faith in God. God opened up the red sea, He can do the same for you too.

 

Exodus 14:14 (NIV) – “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.”

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

 

There might be a storm all around you, but don’t let the fear of the unknown determine your state of mind, your everyday life. Rather let the faith in our savior, the faith in God of the impossible, bring you calmness and stillness.

 

Be Grateful

Are we grateful? Never enough. There are so many people less fortunate than we. Remember, what we take for granted, others are praying for.

 

Our gratefulness grows when we bless someone else. Either through giving, encouragement or prayer. When we take a moment to lift our focus away from ourselves and onto someone else in need, it will revitalize our spirits, increase our faith and grow our gratitude as we realize how blessed we are. Always be grateful.

 

So, in these crazy times we live in, make sure to find your stillness by keeping your mind strong, living with expectations as to what God has instore for you, trusting fully in the Lord and always being grateful.