Be Still, My Soul

The weekend before final exams has arrived. Everyone on campus at Cedarville is madly rushing to finish papers and projects, decorating for Campus Christmas, and bustling from Rinnova to the computer lab to their dorm room and back again. OneVoice ensemble has taken the weekend off; we are in Cleveland this weekend to perform at Parkside Church's Christmas concerts. We left yesterday (Thursday) afternoon and will be here until after the final concert on Sunday night. At first, I was disappointed to miss out on all the campus events - Christmas open dorms, story time with Dr. Brown, and the annual Elf party that my friends and I started freshman year. Part of me still wishes that I were there on campus, participating in all the hub and bustle. But not all of me. Here's why.

As a college student, noise is inescapable. There are people everywhere - in the dorms, in campus buildings, in the cafeteria. The opportunity to sit and enjoy stillness is marred by the constant noise, cramped space, and busy schedules. Don't misunderstand; I love to have fun. And so far on this trip, we have had a lot of fun. We've sung at the top of our lungs, laughed until our stomachs hurt, danced like morons, and may have even pulled a prank or two. But right now, I am sitting in a quiet house curled up in a cozy armchair enjoying peace and quiet for the first time in a long time. And it feels so good. 

As with nearly all aspects of life, balance is key. A time to mourn, a time to laugh, a time to speak, and a time to stay silent, says Solomon in Ecclesiastes. We need both. And we live in a culture that takes pride in busyness and scorns rest. We must be constantly doing, constantly being entertained. Rest is equated with laziness; silence is seen as boring. 

In Scripture, God commanded his people to take a Sabbath every week. The Sabbath provided them with day to focus on the Lord and refresh their mind and body for the week ahead. We have forgotten the concept of Sabbath and replaced it with a need to do more, see more, experience more. But is more always better, or is better better? I challenge you to take a day to rest, reflect, and refresh. Learn how to enjoy silence without becoming restless. Because in those still, quiet moments... God shows up.

"Be still, and know that I am God." -YHWH, Psalm 46:10.

Be still, my soul.