Embracing Stillness
By Sangeeta Cherian, Pune, India
Introduction
During the season of Advent, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday rush. The deadlines, the gifts, the menus, and the list of frantic activities go on and on… We want to make it special for everyone.
So, when there is so much to do, why should we be still?
When we lose ourselves in activity after activity, we diminish our quality of being. Because we are inherently whole, made in the image of our creator. And when we take time to be still and connect with our source, we are recharged and refreshed. It’s important to preserve ourselves, to maintain our freshness and good humour, our joy and compassion.
It's like this...Imagine a glass of water. When we add sand and stir it, the water turns murky. However, if we leave the glass undisturbed, the sand settles, and the water regains its clarity. Similarly, our mental and physical well-being follows a similar pattern. Spiritual growth clarity, and vitality start with the practice of stillness. In stillness, we discover a precious gift—the opportunity to listen to the whispers of God. Just as Mary pondered the angel's message in her heart (Luke 2:19), we too can reflect on God's Word in the quiet moments of our lives. In the midst of the chaos, we can find peace and deepen our relationship with our Saviour by simply being still.
Preparing the manger of our hearts
Imagine your heart as a manger, a place where Jesus can dwell. Embracing stillness allows us to clear out the clutter, the worries, and the anxieties, making room for Christ to be born anew within us. As we create stillness, we make space for His presence.
Waiting with Hope
Advent is a season of waiting, and waiting can be challenging. But in the stillness of waiting, we can cultivate a sense of hope and expectancy. Just as the world waited for the promised Messiah, we wait with hope for His return. Embracing stillness reminds us that God's timing is perfect.
"A song of ascents. Of David.
My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 131: 1-3 (NIV)
God’s promises and care are indeed what calm and quiet our souls, like a toddler safe in the comfort of its mother’s embrace. The promise here is that when I fall down and get hurt, or even cry out my frustration in a tantrum, God will be there to pick me up and say, “There, there; it’s alright.'' I experience that quiet comfort when I read this psalm and visualise myself in the lap of my God, soothed, comforted, and content.
The greatest pain that I feel is seeing my children suffer. I still go through immense pain remembering how much my one-year-old suffered 17 years ago through all those surgeries in her tiny body before eventually going to be in heaven.
My other two are also going through their own suffering and have drifted away from God.
As a mother, I go through the guilt of not being there for them when they needed me, as well as the shame of not being able to lead them to Christ.
But I sit with all my emotions and allow them to come and go. I don't suppress them. I express my sadness to whoever I feel safe, and then I ask God to guide me. In one of those moments of stillness, I heard God whispering to me, “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace” Isaiah 54:13 (NIV). And that shifted something in me. l hold on to that promise and I pray and I practise loving unconditionally.
During another silent moment with God, I saw a beehive in a garden that had fallen down from a tree. I couldn't help but wonder who bestowed such wisdom upon these diligent insects to make such intricate perfect hexagonal cells .
The precision and order of their construction left me in awe. Similarly, I marveled at the weaving bird crafting a delicate, beautiful nest for her young, wondering who had instilled in her the ability to create such a masterpiece. It was a testament to how wonderfully God guides every creature with innate wisdom.
Realizing that no matter how weak or insignificant I may feel, God will guide me toward my purpose was enlightening. Even the disappointments and rejections along the way serve as nudges toward that purpose. All we need to do is remain still and tune in to His loving whispers.
Activity
Take a brief pause several times a day. Gently close your eyes or lower your gaze. Do a brief check-in with your body, mind, and soul. Notice your breath. Are there any thoughts, feelings, or sensations in the body? Is there a scripture that you want to be with or a character of God that you want to meditate on? By doing this, you are acknowledging that the great 'I AM' is in control of all things and that you trust Him with all things in your life however they are at this moment. You are content in Him.
Questions for Reflection
- Is the manger of your heart ready for Christ to dwell in?
- What is a quality of being or fruit of the spirit that you want to grow in as you practice stillness?
About the Author
I am Sangeeta Cherian. Along with my wonderful husband, Raji Cherian, we had the privilege of having served in the full-time ministry in various cities in India and Nepal for 25 years. Currently, I am a Mindfulness-based workshop facilitator. I am passionate about empowering women and children.
58 Comments
Feb 24, 2024, 5:41:18 AM
Bharti - Very well written sister. Thanks for being our inspiration.
Jan 25, 2024, 7:10:30 AM
Pat Gempel - Beautiful analogies. God is soooo good to us. His love is all around us ❤️. I will pray for you. children
Dec 14, 2023, 6:02:30 AM
Pushpa Samuel - This is very helpful devotion. Thank you so much Sangeeta.
Dec 10, 2023, 11:17:35 AM
Scott Sweeney - Thank you! Good reminder to pause and reflect.
Dec 7, 2023, 10:56:26 PM
Sereng Alva - Thank you for the reminder that this season is to prepare our hearts not to lean towards doing but towards being. I need to practice being still and daily check-ins with myself.
Dec 7, 2023, 2:01:21 PM
Ximena Pulido - Thank you so much for reminding me that being still is vital to be able to hear God’s voice
Dec 7, 2023, 1:50:29 PM
Kay - Thank you & God bless you for this enlightening, needed reminder. My elder cousin shared this with me. She's God's sent for sure. Have a blessed day!
Dec 7, 2023, 9:54:02 AM
Bina Thouman maring - Thank you Sangeeta for sharing such an inspiring devotion with God
Dec 7, 2023, 9:18:42 AM
Patricia Jackson - Love this devotional! Would like to get more.
Dec 6, 2023, 8:33:52 PM
Monique Fugate - Love this, any other devotionals ❤️
Dec 6, 2023, 7:52:02 PM
Jocelyn Labrador - Embracing stillness reminds us that God's timing is perfect. God’s promises and care are indeed what calm and quiet our souls, - i love this lines that you point together with the scriptures. The message was so timely that i was able to recognized the status of my heart. Thank you so much Sangeeta for sharing you heart, faith and journey with God. ❤️
Dec 6, 2023, 7:48:51 AM
Charlene Jackson - I would like this daily devotional, please. Thanks.
Dec 5, 2023, 6:41:21 PM
Nzinga Harden - This devotional really was for me to read. I can relate with not being still and I can also relate with being still and hearing God. The stillness brings me back to what matters most.
Dec 5, 2023, 5:56:02 PM
Kendra - I would like the daily devotional 🙂
Dec 5, 2023, 8:19:28 AM
Patrice Gattozzi - Thank you.
Dec 5, 2023, 6:59:25 AM
Nneka olufowobi - Wow encouraging reading through this. Being abandon as a children and rejected by my father was very hurtful but hearing about his death and asking me to come for his burial was emotionally drained. One one thing that kept me going is the GRACE which was given to me by God. Right now i have forgiven and will be going for his burial. Thanks so much for this devotional.... Being still and allow God.
Dec 5, 2023, 5:38:20 AM
MELANIE CHRYSTAL - Beautifully written,I love the photos to go alongside it's not easy to be still but with self discipline I will try daily thks for sharing so sorry your loss your son so young
Dec 4, 2023, 1:03:06 AM
Arunima Gomes - Dear Sangeeta So deeply touched by your sharing .
Dec 3, 2023, 10:34:31 PM
Wendy Nugent Hislop - You warm my heart in the stillness of the day, as you share your love for god. Thank you, and may god bless your life, and carry your children to him.
Dec 3, 2023, 6:22:29 PM
Marrtha - Thank you for sharing. Very Nice!
Dec 3, 2023, 1:59:00 PM
Missy - I’d love to receive the daily advent devotionals this month. It’s so hard to be still!
Dec 3, 2023, 10:42:28 AM
Jill Weir - Wow what a way to open up the Advent. You are a wonderfully talented woman of God. Thanks
Dec 3, 2023, 9:10:06 AM
Tina - Being still is not natural for me, my mind/thoughts and body always on the go. I have been more mindful, praying more often throughout my day and practicing silence and solitude over the past few years. Your writing has encouraged me to stay the course, cry out to God with the hurtful things and not hold them in and continue to trust that He is aware and working all things out for good in my life, even when I cannot yet see. Thank you ❤
Dec 3, 2023, 6:37:01 AM
Lovely Samson - Beautiful writeup and a much needed reminder dear Sangeeta. Being still is one of the ways I acknowledge I am not in control but God is Sovereign and in control of all things 🙌 May I be able to practice it more and more🙏
Dec 3, 2023, 5:25:38 AM
Cecelia Ewens - Dearest Sangeeta, this was precious. Your words spoke gently to my heart. Because of your vulnerability, you drew me right in. Isaiah 55:13 has been a comfort to me for 2 decades as my children have wandered from the faith. I love your practical advice about stillness and look forward to implementing these practices in my life. Your love and devotion to God is evident. God bless you for sharing your heart. Much love and comfort to you, dear sister. Thank you.
Dec 3, 2023, 2:32:45 AM
Elizabeth - thank you so much sister was a wonderful message
Dec 2, 2023, 7:39:18 PM
Maria - Thank you so much for sharing about being still! As a young mom about to have my second child, with work, marriage, and other things, it can be very hard to find a moment to be still with God. It's easier to try to use those moments for myself rather than being filled by God's presence. This is a great reminder that it's very much needed.
Dec 2, 2023, 4:52:30 PM
Camille - Very nice. Thank you.
Dec 2, 2023, 4:39:08 PM
jasmin - hi, thank you for this lesson. it reminds me how God wanted to dwell in me, it can happen if i will be like mary, treasure what matter most..
Dec 2, 2023, 10:34:44 AM
CANDY PIMENTEL - Gracias!!!
Dec 2, 2023, 10:22:10 AM
Angela Ross - This is beautiful. I love the prompt to slow down. The reminder that Mary stopped and pondered the angels message in her heart.
Dec 2, 2023, 8:53:24 AM
Hellen - That is very inspiring. I have already started practicing stillness
Dec 2, 2023, 7:47:54 AM
Dawn Hicks - Very nice devotional.
Dec 2, 2023, 5:43:19 AM
April - I have been going through such a rough time lately, this really helped me to see how a loss of focus on God can be very debilitating. Your analogies are so spot on. I love the one about a glass of water and pouring sand in it the last couple of weeks I have definitely felt like I’ve been stirred up in my life has been murky. But when I sit and pray about God and pray about my situation, I am so grateful because I can literally feel the sand going to my toes and not being in the way and I can kick it out the way and God gives me that strength to go on the rest of the day. Thank you so much.
Dec 2, 2023, 5:19:35 AM
Sapna - Thank you so much dear friend, when I red this sharing I really found a peace and calm like a weaning off child I connected God and a new freshness new Christ born within me. May Lord bless you and family.😍
Dec 2, 2023, 4:55:06 AM
Elinor Balasta - Thank you Sangeeta for sharing such an awesome lesson. Your example of vulnerability and dependence on God is inspiring.
Dec 1, 2023, 10:16:17 PM
Lydia - Thanks Sangeeta for sharing this wonderful message! Let us all prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ
Dec 1, 2023, 9:58:22 PM
Terri - God is good. Being still with him is so nourishing. Thank you.
Dec 1, 2023, 9:48:26 PM
Hillary - Thank you for re-centering me in stillness in God. Beautiful images from our God
Dec 1, 2023, 9:27:55 PM
Diana Samuel - Thank you Sangeeta, was very inspiring
Dec 1, 2023, 8:52:19 PM
Mukund Mishra - Thanks
Dec 1, 2023, 8:36:01 PM
M.Swarna - Thank you
Dec 1, 2023, 7:52:24 PM
Sangeeta Cherian - A heartfelt thank you for all those responses.Felt encouraged.
Dec 1, 2023, 6:30:22 PM
Usha Binoy Philip - Thank you
Dec 1, 2023, 2:56:50 PM
Denise Baker - I started reading during my work day and it reminded me to Be Still and Know that God is my protector and provider.
Dec 1, 2023, 12:10:45 PM
Portia - Thank you Sangeeta, for this lesson. I’m still learning to be still before the Lord. It’s encouraging to know that the pains in life are used as a channel towards God’s purpose for our lives. So, giving thanks in all situations even though it can be a challenge is important.
Dec 1, 2023, 11:34:11 AM
Dora - Thank you, I really needed to hear this.
Dec 1, 2023, 10:51:54 AM
Tania - Thank you!
Dec 1, 2023, 10:30:55 AM
Vicki Cooksey - Thank you for the quite times
Dec 1, 2023, 10:16:07 AM
Yolanda - Thank you so much for bringing us back to God and stillness. There are so many distractions! I just need to be still and listen to the whispers of God!
Dec 1, 2023, 10:03:00 AM
Ann - Thank you for this lesson. I find I want to go and not reflect a lot. I, too, have suffered with the pain my children have gone through and wish they had not strayed from God. You wonder what did I do wrong? I remember it is not my timing and not my decision. I pray that they will turn to God before they die. God bless you and your family.
Dec 1, 2023, 9:58:35 AM
Heather Ray - Oh how I needed this today!
Dec 1, 2023, 8:48:11 AM
Kim - Thank you Sangeeta! Thank you for being vulnerable. Our children-we are trusting God with them. Waiting in stillness for the return of Jesus. We find peace and clarity while listening to the whispers of God.. I love being reminded that God guides every creature with innate wisdom and he is guiding us in our purpose as well! Thank you!
Dec 1, 2023, 8:42:49 AM
Thomas Nolte - Thank you for sharing your heart vulnerable. I am inspired to learn how to sit with the pain of guilt and shame, esp. in regard to our young adult children who are not drawing near to God. Thank you for your honesty and practical advice. Thank you for your service to God's people. God bless.
Dec 1, 2023, 8:39:27 AM
Luane - With your words about closing your eyes and paying attention to your body and reflecting, I realize that I only do this when I am in bed and cannot sleep. I would like to do this throughout each day. I also see I should have taught this to my children when they were growing up, but as you shared from Isaiah 54:13, God can give that grace to my children. Thank you
Dec 1, 2023, 7:01:33 AM
Cathy - Just beautiful ! Stillness, precision - words that make so much sense to me now !! May God bless the works that comes out of your hands Sangita !💕
Dec 1, 2023, 7:00:28 AM
Tsega - Thank you Sangeeta for your vulnerability and the beautiful passages you shared! I was able to visualize and feel the warm embrace and comfort of God “like a weaned child with its mother.” I am inspired to open my eyes and see God in nature and my surroundings today.
Dec 1, 2023, 2:15:03 AM
Dara - Thank you Sangeeta for these precious thoughts and deep vulnerability, as well as inspiration of faith. Sometimes find it difficult to have the capacity to connect with a 'new series' in the midst of my personal plans and scripture reading but this has been one of my most moving and refreshing QT. Thank you for taking the time and making the space sister 💕