Being Still When We Want Answers
"When the Clouds Roll In" was a painting I did a few years ago but it's speaking into my life today. It's so hard just to practice being still when we are in the middle of a difficult season and we want answers, especially in our culture.
When I created this painting, I was in the midst of a bird series about being intentional using dual meaning words on the tags. I was having difficulty figuring out what this tag was going to say. The piece was about when dark times seem to come into our lives out of the blue. I needed to finish the painting to show it at an event and started praying in my studio about what that tag should say. I ended up having a powerful time of worship and prayer and afterwards thought the tag should say “right here."
"What?", I thought, "That doesn’t make sense."
After feeling like this is what this calm little bird should have in its mouth, I completed the painting. Then I understood.
So often in difficult times I want ANSWERS and NEED to know what to do. Where do I go when the clouds roll in? Where should I turn?
“Right here.”
Where? Right? Left?
“Right here.”
Be still in God’s presence. That’s where God wanted me. In that place where I was desperate for an answer, seeking him, praising him, waiting for his voice. And He wants me in that place now too.
"The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him." Lamentations 3:25 NASB.
Am I seeking God or am I seeking answers more? Am I waiting for God to move or am I waiting for an opportunity to make it happen on my own? It's so hard to really answer these questions and figure out the balance between action and stillness. I'm not sure where you fall right now, but I know I have been relying on my own strength more than I have been spending time in God's presence waiting. Waiting is not something natural for Americans these days. It's not natural for me.
But my heart longs to do the will of God and see him move in my life and use me. That is my prayer and my hope. This week I'm being more intentional about spending time waiting and listening.
I have to make a conscience effort to lay down my questions about my future and focus on the present and spending time with the Lord.
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Hoping to be like this little sparrow today and trust Him, staying right here in his presence as the storms roll in.