Monday morning I arrived to UBTS (Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary) eager to meet my students and begin our week of learning about the care of souls. The 20 graduate students that convened in my classroom arrived from locations throughout all of Ukraine. They had not been together as a class in person for a year, so this represented a special morning of reconnection.
Nevertheless, the students arrived weary from their places of work and ministry, family responsibilities, as well as the weight of the war. Although the Dean of the Christian Counseling Program informed me that the students were enthusiastic for our class together, I noticed their reserved energy and reticent posture.
On Monday morning I found the students glad to see one another, and yet unsure of the course material. I endeavored to step gently into the class content. With my translator, I exposed my students to the practice of being still and embracing quiet spaces.
Quiet – the intentional practice of being still; silence; making little or no noise, without interruption
Each student posed many questions and uncertainties about this unusual approach and practice to caring for oneself as a precursor to companioning alongside of others. Through lively conversation, I learned that the idea of being quiet aroused differing responses from the students. With the continuation of the war, the development of increased busyness motivates many living in Ukraine. This mindset influences many, including my students. Filling each moment of the day with activity results in little space to think about and feel the ramifications of life, the impact of war, and God’s presence. Hence, efforts to diminish silence drive many in Ukraine. This perspective made sense to me and yet, did not feel isolated to just Ukraine.
Consider your mindset… In what ways does busyness prevent quiet in your daily life? How does activity prevent you from thinking about and feeling the circumstances in your life?
As I walked the 15 minute route to my hotel on Monday evening, I cried out to God. I acknowledged my own emotions of insecurity, doubt, and concern. I felt troubled by the perceived lack of receptivity. I questioned my presence and the course material I developed. I wondered if the hardship of war negatively influenced the students to such an extent that, perhaps, they were not able to be open and receive this fresh teaching. I released to God my troubles in the quietness of my walk and inside my hotel room.
Unexpectedly, later that night through the quiet, the air alert sirens sounded. This resulted in a short night’s sleep for me, and my own jittery nerves. In spite of the disturbed night’s rest, upon arriving for class Tuesday morning, I sensed a lifting in the faces and eyes of my students. Remarkably, they did not hear the air sirens (they have learned to sleep through them) and arrived refreshed to class, demonstrating a renewed zest for learning, growth, and practical interaction. Thank you God!
In everyday life, how do you notice the impact of a good night’s rest in your approach to new ideas, learning, and growth?
Regardless, together with my students, we engaged spiritual practices, prayers, and activities throughout the week to offer consideration of the benefits and blessings of slowing the soul with stillness and quiet. The students felt surprised by the gift of quiet and slowly stepped further and further into this life-giving practice. A shift began to occur within the hearts and lives of the students. The spaces of stillness and silence became nourishment to their souls. The times of quiet provided intimate encounters with God (Psalm 46:10).
French composer, Claude Debussy said, “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between them.” For these students, in the silence they heard the music of God in their own lives. The Holy Spirit poured out as they wondered and embraced God’s presence and care. The students tasted the sweetness of being still with the Lord (Psalm 34:8).
The quiet places with God enlivened the student’s spiritual journeys. They grew to welcome the practice of quiet, which ushered in times for reflection, curiosity, and explorations of God’s presence.
By Friday a beautiful transformation exuded from the lives of the students. Their souls received care by the God of the universe, even in the midst of horrific war. In the quiet, God communed with and cared for their souls.
In the quiet, they grew to know the love of God.
In the quiet, they noticed God‘s kindness and attention to them as individuals, as a community, and as a nation.
In the quiet they received God‘s comfort in the midst of their difficult stories.
In the quiet they experienced God in ways that felt new, creative, hopeful, and renewing.
What does quiet look like in your life? How might you incorporate the practice a quiet into your daily living?
Welcome God‘s tender attention to your soul. Let Him care for you in quiet spaces. Listen for God’s music to your soul in the silence. Know that you are loved!
This week – – –
Reflect. Think about Isaiah 30:15 – “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” In what ways do rest and quietness bring refreshment? Imagine God strengthening you through quiet spaces. Receive His care. Thank Him.
Request. Sitting in quiet places allows thoughts and uncomfortable emotions to rise. Welcome God’s presence with your thoughts and feelings. In what ways does God care for you? Talk with Him about what you notice. Thank God for His presence with you.
Receive. Practice being quiet with God. Set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes. Ask the Holy Spirit to slow the thoughts bouncing in your head and settle the feelings stirring within you. Be with God in the stillness. Rest. Over time increase the timer to 15 minutes. Receive God’s care to your soul. He likes being with you.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
1 Samuel 12:16 – “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Ruth Haley Barton. Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence. Lisle, IL. 2010.
C.W. McPherson. Keeping Silence: Christian Practices for Entering Stillness. Harrisburg, PA. 2002.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Sonicflood. I Want to Know You. Click here to watch and listen.
Matthew West. The God Who Stays. Click here to watch & listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
May 19-23 – Denver Seminary Spiritual Direction Cohort. Littleton, CO
May 31-June 15 – Black Rock Retreat, Quarryville, PA – Soul care and teaching for the Black Rock Summer Staff.