“Rest comes in the stillness of surrender, when we relax and realize we cannot hold it together. Opening our hands to what Jesus has for us in the moment versus what we think we need brings peace. When we learn to live in abundance instead of scarcity, a calm comes over us.”- Meredith McDaniel
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”- Matthew 11:29 (NIV)
Meredith McDaniel concludes Chapter 1 of In Want + Plenty as she delves deeper into the concept of sitting still for five minutes. Certainly, Meredith acknowledges, we’re not used to facing ourselves. It most likely feels unfamiliar and unnerving to set aside our agendas – even for five minutes. Because sitting still and feeling what possibly stirs within us rarely tops our priority list. But, the author asks, what if we:
- lit a candle and listened quietly to what bubbles up to our soul’s surface?
- stopped trying to read, write, or even hear something from God?
- sat still for five minutes with no plan and purpose other than breathing?
Yet, Meredith observes, many of us move proficiently at a pace we cannot maintain. As a result, at some point we buy into the illusion that satisfaction comes from attaining worldly comforts and craftily numbing out. For example, we think that if we can just get our life in order or find friends who get us – problem solved.
However, as we unravel under all our self-induced pressure, we grow complacent in our discontentment. And we feel that lack of control in our bones. Fertile soil for our covert enemy, Satan. He knows what makes us doubt, fear, or hurt. Above all, Satan uses each individual history to fuel the lies. That makes the lies personally believable in each context.
Finally, Meredith asks you the question she asks each of her clients: What do you want? To answer that question, you need more than a passing moment to sit in all you feel. For we all crave wholeness and long for shalom.
Today’s question: What helps you enter the stillness of surrender? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Push the limits and play God”
