So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16 NLT
The forests are still, seemingly. The same could be said of an ocean. Or, a stream trickling over the river rock. A busy home could have this quality too.
How?
In the midst of chaos, we can have stillness. Jesus promised us His peace. The disciples were headed into the unknown and they did not understand what it really meant. Jesus was speaking to them in the Upper Room about His peace, His preparation and His upcoming death. I imagine there was a stillness about the room – but most likely one of fear, not of peace. (See John 14)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
John 14:1
The disciples had the Prince of Peace in their midst, speaking about His peace. Up to this point, they had begun to see lots of chaos, anger, plotting and scheming, and uncertainty. But, there was a settledness about them – we do not see (at least it’s not recorded very much) about their constant state of panic. Yes, there were times, but for the most part, they were still, learning to trust, believe and have faith.
It was a time of great upheaval. The religious system was changing, people were confused, with some clinging to the old ways and others reaching out to the new.
Much like the woman with the issue of blood. She was entrenched in the old ways of the Law because she was born into it. Because of the Law her life was drastically cut off from her society, her people, her known way of life. She was rendered unclean by the standards of the Law; she had to isolate herself.
Loneliness became an unwanted friend. She had stillness but it was with a troubled heart. In the midst of chaos in Capernaum so many years ago, she reached out to Jesus – the Messiah who was ushering in the kingdom of God. She reached out and was met with grace, salvation and healing.
Her stillness exploded into a testimony of God’s goodness. The last twelve years of her life were forgotten – she was free. She was made new. She was forgiven, healed, and saved. She was given a voice and she used it immediately after Jesus kept looking around to see who had touched Him (see Mark 5:21-43 for the full story).
Her stillness was transformed to peace in her heart, soul, mind and strength. Could this hold true for us? Yes, I believe it can. We are a troubled lot. We have disease, illness, injuries, brokenness, troubles, wars and rumors of wars. We are hurting. We are still because we are at the end of our rope. We’ve tried everything, but to no avail. Like the woman in Mark 5. She spent everything, was worse and was in isolation.
Sound familiar to you? Can you relate to this?
I know I can. With my 3+ years of affliction I am in a stillness of which I am not relishing. I am tired of it. I’ve been there, done that. I’ve accepted it, and then I haven’t. I have given it all to God, only to take it all back again. I have cried. I have sobbed. I have worshipped. I have praised. I have testified.
And here I am, typing this with my feet in tape/straps, throbbing because of the injury, and my limitations limited to what I can do in my home – not much. When I go into the throne room of God, do I go to complain, am I still, or do I run off with my mouth? Honestly, it’s all the above.
But, ultimately, I am most at peace when I fall down in worship.
Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him (Jesus) and told him what she had done. Mark 5:33 (NLT)
It boils down to this – where we are when in the presence of Jesus. Are we on our knees? Are we standing it off with Him? Are we behind Him? He is not taken aback by our emotions. He desires our honesty before Him – He knows us, so let’s be honest with ourselves when in His presence. Let us remember we are in the presence of a holy God.
And practice stillness, recalling His peace and His goodness which is just for us to help us in our time of need. Are you willing?
PRAYER
Father God, I am here in Your throne room. I crave You, Your peace, Your stillness, Your presence. I come with my stuff, but it pales in comparison to You – a holy God worthy of worship, reverence and love. My stuff can wait. I want to talk about You. I want to be still before You – whether on my face in front of You, or in Your lap enjoying Your company. It is about You. Always. In the Name of Jesus, which makes it possible for me to be here in the first place. AMEN