"Never go too long without watching a sunset."
How beautiful to watch the sky turn crimson as the Cyprus sun sinks slowly below the horizon. Another day of grace ends and the night gently falls, reminding us of God's faithfulness to mankind. It is a time to become still and reflect on life itself, while marvelling at God's majestic creative touch.
God often speaks to us in the stillness when our hearts are calm and reflective. If we recall the story of Elijah in the Old Testament when he fled from Jezebel after his great victory on Mount Carmel (see 1 Kings 18), we are reminded how God revealed Himself to Elijah:
Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19: 11-12
God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice, or a delicate whisper, as other translations render it. When our surroundings are loud and hectic, that still small voice is easily drowned out. If we do not have time to spend time with God in quietness, we are simply too busy. It is of utmost importance to commune with our Heavenly Father each day to hear in our hearts what He wants to say to us. We do not have to carry our burdens alone nor do we need to fret over the challenges we face. God's still small voice will sustain us and comfort us in our Christian walk.
The 18th century German hymn by Kathrina von Schlegel aptly expresses why we should be still:
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to your God to order and provide;
in ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: your best, your heav'nly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: your God will undertake
to guide the future as he has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
his voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10