“’Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.’” Psalm 46:10 (KJV)
“Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.’” Psalm 46:10 (CEV)
My family are fans of “Doctor Who.” From time to time I will walk through the family room and catch a glimpse of The Doctor. Usually, it seems, he or she is running. I commented on this once and they all laughed. Apparently this is a continuing bit on the program. I just looked it up. There are fan-made tributes online to “The Man Who Keeps Running.” There are songs entitled “An Awful Lot of Running.” Apparently The Doctor is not only impatient, but is running away from something. (“The Man Who Keeps Running. Never Looking Back Because He Dare Not. Out of Shame…”)
This, unfortunately, is true for many of us. We keep busy – we keep moving – to avoid the reflection that stillness brings. Even in a lockdown, we have things to do, arrangements to make, and we have to keep up with all the remarkable things people are accomplishing with all this free time!
It was a little like that for the Disciples during what we now call Holy Week. They run from their association with Jesus. The move from place to place to avoid the crowd. They gather in secret, always on the lookout. Even when they are still they are tense, and keep listening to hear the latest tragic news. On Easter morning, once the women share the news of what they have seen at the tomb, they are all off running again. Followers are running off to Emmaus when Jesus meets them on the road. The fishermen run back to their boat. When Jesus calls out from the shore Peter jumps out of the boat and runs – OK, wades quickly to the shore….
Did they have time to consider what was happening?
I like the Contemporary English Version of this passage from the psalms. We don’t have to be completely still to know about God. In fact, I reflect best when I am moving about a bit, whether it be gardening, or walking, or catching a wave. Focusing on one thing allows my inner voices to calm; then I can reflect, remember, and learn about God anew.
I pray that in this coming Holy Week, you take some time to be still and know – or to calm down and learn – that God IS.
Grant us focus, O God. Grant us peace. Allow us to hear your voice. In the busy-ness and in the stillness enter our beings and remind us of your love. When we are afraid, when we are angry, when we are alone, when we are overwhelmed, help us to know that you indeed are God. You are working your purpose out in us. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Your questions for Sunday:
1. When have you been able to move from lament to trust?
2. What hurt do you still carry?
3. What does the cross mean to you?