The Benefit of Stillness

by Ruth Croft 25 August 2024

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

Several years ago my family and I were leading a visit of several families to a ‘butterfly house’ in our role as volunteer hosts for a christian holiday company. I observed one family with grandparents and grandchildren inside the large, climate controlled space where large numbers of butterflies and moths can fly freely in an environment created to resemble their natural habitat. The children were very excited to see so many exotic and colourful butterflies and they were hurrying here and there to try and spot the different species. Grandad, on the other hand, was quietly standing to the side of the general melee when a very large butterfly came and settled on him, then came another and another and several more. They rested on him for several minutes before gracefully taking flight on the return of his lively brood.

I hope this reminds you, as it did me, that we don't always have to spend all our time busy, searching for the things of God. Sometimes all that's needed is for us to simply be still and allow Him to settle them on us. When we do, we know the power of His peace, joy and strength even in times of challenge.

Perhaps you might like to reflect on the words of this song and bring your own prayers.