Embracing Stillness: A Journey of Faith and Renewal
Summary
In these challenging times, we are reminded of the profound impact the pandemic has had on our lives, disrupting our routines and forcing us to confront the abnormal. This disruption serves as a wake-up call, a divine nudge to re-evaluate our priorities and bring God back to the forefront of our lives. As we navigate this season of stillness, we are invited to redefine what it means to be still, recognizing that sometimes, in our culture, stillness is mistakenly equated with inactivity or failure. However, true stillness can be a time of healing and preparation, much like a sprained ankle that needs rest to recover fully.
This period of dormancy is not without purpose. It is a time for God to work beneath the surface, preparing us for future growth and renewal. Just as fresh mulch may have an unpleasant odor but signifies new planting, our current situation, though challenging, is fertile ground for new beginnings. We are encouraged to embrace this time, allowing God to develop us in the "darkroom" of life, where we are being prepared for the light.
Moreover, this season offers us the opportunity to reconnect with our families, rediscover passions, and find new ways to serve and minister to others. It is a time to appreciate the "green pastures" around us, to rest in God's provision, and to trust that He is working all things together for our good, even when we cannot see it.
As we reflect on the legacy of faith left by those who have gone before us, we are reminded of the importance of living each day with intention and purpose. The deposits of faith and love made over a lifetime are what sustain us in times of loss and uncertainty. We are called to live with the awareness that our actions today have lasting impacts on those around us and on future generations.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace Stillness as Preparation: In a culture that equates busyness with success, we must redefine stillness as a time for healing and preparation. Just as a sprained ankle needs rest to heal, our souls require periods of dormancy to be ready for future growth. This time allows God to work beneath the surface, preparing us for what lies ahead. [26:23]
2. Trust in God's Timing: Like a photograph developed in a darkroom, our lives are being shaped in unseen ways during this season. If we rush the process, we risk being underdeveloped. Trusting in God's timing allows us to emerge stronger and more complete, ready for the light. [28:40]
3. Rediscover Passions and Relationships: This season is an opportunity to reconnect with family, rediscover passions, and find new ways to serve. By embracing the present moment, we can uncover new joys and strengthen our relationships, laying a foundation for future growth. [34:55]
4. Live with Intention and Legacy: The legacy of faith and love left by those who have gone before us reminds us to live each day with purpose. Our actions today have lasting impacts on those around us and on future generations. We are called to make intentional deposits of faith and love in the lives of others. [45:28]
5. Find Rest in God's Presence: In times of crisis, we are reminded that true peace is found not in external circumstances but in God's presence. By casting our cares upon Him and trusting in His provision, we can find rest and assurance, even in the midst of uncertainty. [52:14]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:10] - Disruption as a Wake-Up Call
[21:27] - Ministry in Obedience
[22:04] - Generating Holiness
[23:03] - Engaging in Conversation
[25:42] - Power of Perspective
[26:23] - Redefining Stillness
[28:13] - Development in the Darkroom
[30:22] - Appreciating Green Pastures
[31:05] - Lessons from Dormant Seasons
[32:39] - Embracing the Spirit of No
[34:41] - Innovation and Renewal
[38:23] - Importance of Maintenance
[42:31] - Living with Intention
[45:28] - Legacy of Faith
[52:14] - Finding Rest in God's Presence
[55:33] - Addressing Abuse and Dysfunction
[58:04] - Creating Emotional Distance
[59:03] - Clearing the Runway for Peace
[01:00:40] - Avoiding the Rush to Normalcy
[01:03:06] - Smelling the Roses
[01:04:41] - Overcoming Fear with Faith
[01:07:27] - Value in Abrupt Change
[01:12:40] - Finding Identity in Christ
[01:17:25] - Making Lemonade from Lemons
[01:19:06] - Assurance in Christ's Sacrifice
[01:20:47] - Prayer for Salvation and Peace
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
2. Psalm 23:2 - "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters."
3. Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
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Observation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the impact of the pandemic on our daily lives and routines? [20:10]
2. What analogy is used in the sermon to explain the concept of stillness and preparation? [26:34]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "darkroom" in our spiritual development? [28:40]
4. How does the sermon suggest we can use this time to reconnect with our families and rediscover passions? [34:55]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that stillness can be a time of healing and preparation, rather than inactivity or failure? [26:23]
2. How does the sermon relate the concept of trusting in God's timing to the process of developing a photograph in a darkroom? [28:40]
3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of living with intention and leaving a legacy of faith and love? [45:28]
4. How does the sermon encourage us to find rest in God's presence during times of crisis? [52:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt forced into stillness. How did you perceive that period, and what did you learn from it? [26:23]
2. Consider an area of your life where you might be rushing the process. How can you practice patience and trust in God's timing this week? [28:40]
3. Identify a passion or hobby you have neglected. What steps can you take to re-engage with it during this season? [34:55]
4. Think about the legacy you are building. What intentional actions can you take today to positively impact future generations? [45:28]
5. In what ways can you create space in your life to rest in God's presence, especially during challenging times? [52:14]
6. How can you use this time to strengthen your relationships with family members? What specific activities can you plan to reconnect with them? [34:55]
7. Reflect on a current challenge you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth and renewal? [26:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Stillness as a Time of Healing and Growth
In a world that often equates busyness with success, it is crucial to redefine stillness as a time for healing and preparation. Just as a sprained ankle requires rest to heal, our souls need periods of dormancy to be ready for future growth. This time allows God to work beneath the surface, preparing us for what lies ahead. Embracing stillness is not about inactivity or failure; it is about allowing God to nurture and develop us in ways we may not immediately see. By trusting in this process, we can emerge stronger and more complete, ready to face the challenges and opportunities that await us. [26:23]
"For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling." (Isaiah 30:15, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can intentionally embrace stillness this week, allowing God to work beneath the surface?
Day 2: Trust in God's Timing for Your Life's Development
Like a photograph developed in a darkroom, our lives are being shaped in unseen ways during this season. If we rush the process, we risk being underdeveloped. Trusting in God's timing allows us to emerge stronger and more complete, ready for the light. This period of waiting is not without purpose; it is a time for God to work beneath the surface, preparing us for future growth and renewal. By surrendering to His timing, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He is working all things together for our good, even when we cannot see it. [28:40]
"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:25, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you find it hardest to trust God's timing, and how can you begin to surrender this to Him today?
Day 3: Rediscover Passions and Relationships in the Present Moment
This season offers us the opportunity to reconnect with our families, rediscover passions, and find new ways to serve and minister to others. By embracing the present moment, we can uncover new joys and strengthen our relationships, laying a foundation for future growth. It is a time to appreciate the "green pastures" around us, to rest in God's provision, and to trust that He is working all things together for our good, even when we cannot see it. By focusing on the present, we can find new ways to serve and minister to others, bringing joy and fulfillment to our lives. [34:55]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person you can reach out to this week to reconnect with or serve in a meaningful way?
Day 4: Live with Intention and Purpose for a Lasting Legacy
The legacy of faith and love left by those who have gone before us reminds us to live each day with purpose. Our actions today have lasting impacts on those around us and on future generations. We are called to make intentional deposits of faith and love in the lives of others. By living with intention and purpose, we can create a legacy that will inspire and sustain others in times of loss and uncertainty. It is a call to be mindful of the impact our actions have on those around us and to strive to leave a positive and lasting legacy. [45:28]
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: What is one intentional action you can take today to leave a positive impact on someone else's life?
Day 5: Find Rest and Assurance in God's Presence
In times of crisis, we are reminded that true peace is found not in external circumstances but in God's presence. By casting our cares upon Him and trusting in His provision, we can find rest and assurance, even in the midst of uncertainty. This peace is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God. By seeking His presence and trusting in His provision, we can find the rest and assurance we need to navigate the challenges of life. It is a reminder that God is always with us, providing the peace and strength we need to face whatever comes our way. [52:14]
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV)
Reflection: What is one burden you are carrying that you can cast upon God today, trusting in His provision and finding rest in His presence?
Quotes
This pandemic has disrupted our lives, our work, our play, our sports. It has disrupted our gatherings. It has turned what was normal and made it abnormal. It's a wake-up call. One of the ways God speaks is through allowing circumstances into our lives and into our world that are not pleasant. [00:19:41]
Sometimes bad things have to happen for good things to grow. We want to take this opportunity to do that, and since we are the next generation of our parents, we're kicking this off. We've been doing it here locally for a couple of years, but we want to take it nationally because the opportunity has presented itself. [00:22:04]
I think a lot of times when things are still, we have to redefine what stillness means. In our culture, especially in American culture, we are like if you ain't moving, you ain't successful. You ain't doing nothing. Sometimes you have to redefine it. You have to stop to re-situate yourself. [00:26:23]
If we can readjust our perspective and know that when we're in the darkroom, we are being developed, then the darkroom changes. The dormancy changes. The perspective you have when you're still completely changes. [00:28:13]
When we're made to lie down in green pastures, whether we're going to actually look around us and see all the green grass that he's actually situated us in there, or whether we're just going to be running so fast to move forward, we get to the next thing and realize in looking back we missed out on all this green grass. [00:30:22]
There are things happening underneath the ground. There are nutrients being absorbed, and if you don't let it lie dormant for a while, then when the produce, when the harvest comes, it won't be flavorful. It won't be as big and juicy. It won't yield the kind of results if you don't really just let it do the stuff you can't see. [00:31:05]
If you don't choose to accept the season of rest, you will realize that you missed the beauty in that season of rest because hindsight is always 20/20. So if you wait to suck up the nutrients of the dormant season until you know why you need those nutrients, then you'll always miss it. [00:34:41]
Passions are gonna be renewed. Somebody told me that they took up sewing because they started sewing something they always wanted to sew but never had the time for it. People are gonna rediscover passions if we will stop being frustrated that we're at the house and just go ahead and take advantage of it. [00:34:55]
I think she consistently was pouring herself out over her lifetime, so then when you get to the end, it's just more of the same. One of the things that I just said, I've said it a few times, but I said it to Dad again last night, and it was that there are a couple of things I think I wish I would have asked her. [00:45:28]
When you choose to dwell, meditate on his word, continually talk to God, there's something that happens in your heart and in your mind about where you're living, where you are living despite where you are living, what's happening around you. [00:52:14]
I think some of the greatest lessons we learn about ourselves happen when things are still and dormant, but I also think some of the greatest lessons we learn about who God created us to be happen when things are hard. He teaches us what he put in us, but also he teaches us who he is in us. [01:12:40]
Finding your identity in Christ, that he came to satisfy the standard of God that no one can satisfy. The standard of God is absolute perfection, and no one can satisfy it, but he came and he satisfied it, so all those who place faith in Him, what Jesus does is credit to your account. [01:17:25]
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