Stillness: A Grief Devotional by Elizabeth M. Thompson

  Stillness

By Elizabeth M. Thompson

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

When death takes someone we love, we are immediately swallowed up by the enormity of the loss. We are catapulted into a multitude of activities and myriad details. Decisions, plans, notifications, and legal documents sweep us into action.

We make our way down the to-do list amazed that we can function at all. The activity continues and we are told: “It is good to stay busy; it keeps your mind off things.”

True, busyness can distract us from the full force of our loss. But it can also distract us from the Lord Jesus Christ. In order to be aware of God’s presence, his comfort and love, we need to be still. We need our hands, our bodies, and most importantly, our minds to be still. If we take the time each day to meditate on the greatness of God and allow his Word to plant itself in our hearts, we will walk in the knowledge of who God is and how much he loves us.

Be still today so God can infuse all your activities with the awareness of his presence.

Lord, it is hard to be still today. There is so much to do. My mind is fragmented and over-stimulated, trying to comprehend my loss, my changed life. Lord I want to walk this path hand-in-hand with you. Help me to carve out stillness in my day. Amen

Comments

[Elizabeth M. Thompson]

Thanks, Sue! It is much easier for me to stay busy than to be still when I am hurting, but when I get quiet before the Lord, He meets me and comforts me in ways I would miss otherwise.

[Sue Tornai]

Hi Beth,

I like the format you are using with longer devotions. I like the contrast in this one -- the encouragement to be still and experience God's love and presence in the midst of bereaving instead of staying busy to get through the pain. Thank you for the wise counsel.