I am on a “sabbatical,” which means I’m being granted by the church two months of rest, study, and time away from ministry. We developed this to honor all our pastors for every five years of full-time ministry. Liz and I, with a group of bloodstained allies, planted The Road Church eleven years ago, and by the amazing power of God, we have grown very rapidly. The staff team has gone from two to over thirty. It’s been a great adventure, but not without setbacks, mistakes, and constant change.
So, during this sabbatical, Liz and I need to find our spiritual and emotional equilibrium. We are making time for hours each day meditating in God’s Word, reading great books, and doing some of the hobbies we love (fly fishing for me and tending the greenhouse for Liz).
Many of us who are lovers of God and the Bible often quote Psalm 46:10, which reads, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Each morning, I use a coffee mug with this verse etched upon the front. I really like the Contemporary English Version of this famous verse:
Our God says, “Calm down,
and learn that I am God!”
(Psalm 46:10 CEV)
What an insightful translation! I need that translation in my life right now. To elicit even more contemporary English: “Steve, chill out and focus on an intimate love relationship with Me.” Come on. A road less traveled. It’s when we calm down that we can learn.
Today, I’ve spent the morning talking with God and Liz. Both have a lot to say, and I am listening. The fire is blazing in our Great Room fireplace; I have playing in the background YouTube “Peaceful River in the Mountains.” If I close my eyes, it feels like I’m sitting beside a clear mountain stream in the Rockies. I’m listening for God’s voice.
Have you been frantic? Are you having trouble relaxing? Is your life an endless stream of people, projects, and pressure? I live in that world. I swim in that stream too. May I encourage you this summer to calm down and learn from God. If we will take the time to listen, He has a lot to say.
Pastor Steve
