In the stillness There comes a calm A time of quiet contemplation
Storms’ great waves That crashed with tumult Chaos, strife, and much distress
Come gather now As silence deepens Open to stop, to pause
Find now rest with indrawn breath Comfort and new direction Readying both body and mind
Heart now waiting Ears unstopped Eyes opened to receive
God with us, Emmanual In deep compassion Holds us gently
Heard is our voice Breath touches pain, anger, fear In His stillness… find new peace
Hope for each day Joy in the moment Faith for life… in His stillness
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Psalm 107:28-30 NIV – “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.“
Elijah! I love Elijah. Mighty prophet of God. Strong. Assured. Obedient to God’s commands. Through Elijah, God displayed His authority and great power to the people of Israel who had turned away! Fire from heaven burned up the soaking wet sacrifice… after futile attempts by the priests of Baal, god of fertility and nature, were unsuccessful. “Your god is no god!” … and 450 prophets of Baal perished.
Through Elijah, God withheld rain and a great drought resulted.
Through Elijah, God ended this drought with wind and abundant water… and Elijah miraculously ran before the chariot of King Ahab to a town fourteen miles away.
…Then a vengeful Queen Jezebel declared death to Elijah and he ran away in fear… and ran… and ran… until he ended up in a faraway cave in which to hide.
There God spoke to him, “What are you doing here Elijah?
And Elijah replied, I have given you my all God!Haven’t I obeyed you as best I can? I’ve been very busy doing all these things for You.Now look at these hard-headed, self-centered, angry people! They have rejected you and killed all your other prophets and now I’m the only one left!It’s useless. I might as well die too!”
I love Elijah! Doesn’t his story express the fear and discouragement we all feel at times?!
So, God passed by before that cave. There came a great wind, earthquake, and fire… but God was not in them. He who had spoken so forcefully and powerfully previously so that all would know His authority, did not speak through them this time… God had Elijah’s full attention! But where was God?!
Then there came a still small voice, a quiet calm. Elijah heard the voice of God asking the same question He had asked before, “What are you doing here Elijah?” …and, still focused on himself, Elijah gave the same answer!
But in the quiet of that moment, came assurance that God was with him. “Go back Elijah. I have a job for you. There will be others to help you, kings to anoint and a prophet to succeed you. Why, there are 7000 prophets who will rise up to serve me!”
I love Elijah! His story gives us all hope and assurance. “Go back. I’m with you. You are not alone,” God says. And so, He speaks in that still small voice, in quiet calm amidst our storms. God had not given up on them. He hadn’t given up on Elijah and He hasn’t given up on us! He is mighty. He is faithful.
May we find rest and courage in Him, giving thanks for His promise and faithful presence. Amen.
• It takes a seed to form ideas to have a vision for great things • We often underestimate the impact of one life upon another • The effect of one person will have lasting results • Fear and uncertainty can blind us or hold us back from taking positive steps • Sometimes we need to remove things which prevent us from growing and becoming • Cultivate good qualities and use them to benefit others • A single skill or interest has endless possibilities for expression • We absorb attitudes, assumptions, ideas, expectations, and philosophies from everything around us • It is prudent to keep a clear head and take time for contemplation before making decisions and following a chosen course • Let experience bring calmer responses and clearer insight • Offering encouragement and value to others is like water to sustain a body • Food for the soul comes from God, the great provider and source of life
From “Reflections from the Everyday” “Charlotte-Anne Allen
I wrote this poem several years ago. It is still so applicable to us each day … a call, a remembrance, a celebration, an affirmation of God’s Spirit and love for us. May it bring us peace and hope.
Surround us, oh Lord Guardian protector Father Wrap us in Your holiness Surround us, oh Lord Strong sure eternal
Surround us, oh Lord Refresh renew restore Nourished by Your Spirit Surround us, oh Lord To grow in wisdom and stature
Surround us, oh Lord Great One mighty and present Strong and sure deliverer Surround us, oh Lord That we too may stand
Surround us, oh Lord Wrapped in Your breath Sustained and filled Surround us, oh Lord Satisfier of our souls
Surround us, oh Lord Our firm foundation Shield and defender Surround us, oh Lord With the cloud of Your being
Surround us, oh Lord Your comforting presence Banish our fear Surround us, oh Lord Abba Father and King
——————————————————————————————————- Thanks to God, who surrounds us each day “May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22
• Consider wisely what you lean on • A strong base lends support for the work at hand • There are times to step back to relieve pressure • Relieving pressure allows room for healing and rest • It’s good to have something handy to whack with when needed • Whack away those doubts and fears • Making good choices requires forethought and regular practice • When temptation comes, keep a firm grasp on positive values • Choose the right material to build character and integrity • It is good to unload our worries to a listening ear • Whether climbing peaks or walking across the room, a supportive friend is welcome • Taking the weight off our shoulders brings great relief • Shepherds both guide and protect with their staff • God our Shepherd walks with us and shines through our weakness
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The Still Small Voice 