I just enjoyed taking a few days with my daughter and traveling to a state park not too far from home called Fall Creek Falls. This place has become a favorite spot to escape from life’s busyness and bask in the beauty of creation. Whether it was hiking along a serene lake, watching water cascading over a rocky ledge, or sitting on a back porch listening to Whippoorwills calling at dusk, I allowed myself to be immersed in the beauty around me. It was so good for my soul.
As I walk with people through inner healing, I am aware of the soul’s many coping strategies to avoid pain. If there is a lot of pain that has been stuffed inside and not resolved in a healthy way, the soul will resist being still and quiet. When we become still and quiet, we begin to be aware of our state of being. We start to recognize physical aches and pains, but we also begin to tune into what is happening below the surface level. The thoughts and emotions that we run from catch up with us when we get still long enough. Even though our aching soul falsely believes it is a good idea to avoid all the unresolved hurts from the past, the enemy knows that buried pain only brings layers of continued hurt and destruction. Since ancient times, people have recognized the restorative benefits of stillness, meditation, and rest. Though our souls may resist it, there is healing that comes in the quiet stillness. Our whole being can experience renewal when we allow ourselves to slow down.
Spiritual Renewal
- Increases inner peace
- Builds greater awareness of God’s loving presence
- Strengthens a deeper connection with one’s true self
- Brings clarity to life purpose
Soul Renewal
- Brings awareness to inner thoughts and feelings
- Calms the mind and racing thoughts
- Cultivates feelings of empathy and compassion towards others
- Improves focus and concentration
- Reduces negative emotions and promotes emotional well-being
- Increases creative space in the mind
Physical Renewal
- Reduces stress and lowers blood pressure
- Calms the nervous system
- Improves sleep
- Can strengthen the immune system
The phrase “be still” or similar phrases urging stillness appears multiple times in the Bible.
Be still, and know that I am God… Psalm 46:10
The summer season offers us many varied opportunities to quiet our souls in stillness. One of my favorite summer activities, that I love to sit and savor, is watching the fireflies flicker in the front yard. Whatever you enjoy doing to get into a place of quiet stillness, the key is being intentional with the time.
Steps in Pursuit
- Build into your summer routine 10-15 minutes of quiet stillness in the morning before the rest of the family rises, or in the evening before retiring for the day. Sit with Jesus and a cup of coffee. He will meet you there.
- When you are at the park or walking around the neighborhood, soak in the beauty of creation. Breathe in the smells, sights, and sounds of nature. Picture it soothing your soul as you worship God through creation.
- Speak blessings over your Spirit, Soul and Body as you spend these intentional moments. You can use the benefits listed above and turn the phrases into a statement of blessing: “My nervous system is calm and healthy.” “I am aware of God’s loving presence.”
Praying that you find refreshing for your soul in the still, quiet moments.
He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. Psalm 23:2-3, NIV
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
