Stillness

Be still.

Be still?! With so much anxiety, so many reasons to be agitated, lots that desperately need to be done. The spring primary election in Wisconsin may be over, but the work is still definitely ahead of us! Justice isn’t just magically going to appear…

Be still.

What about the to-do lists? What about projects that aren’t going to complete themselves? What about trying to convince others my ideas or perspectives are right? How do you resolve fears and worries and aches and even the dreams that keep you up at night? 

Be still.

It would be nice if we could just convince ourselves. If this were a matter of a few deep breaths or ready mantras. If it were the same as relaxation or being told to chill out.

Be still.

This—especially here during Holy Week—isn’t about us, about what we should be doing, about what we’re setting aside. It’s not even our emotions or state of inner calm.

This word says Stop. It even says Don’t Try. It says Wait. 

God is active. Jesus dies and lives. This is for you.

Be still.

You are a mighty fortress. But I want more. I want to hurry onward. And I want you to, too. But I hope and I trust. I am still. And you are still with me. Amen

Rev. Nick Utphall, Advent Lutheran Church, Madison, WI

Be still, and know that I am God!  I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46:10