I walked across the mountain road and down a dirt path. Small rocks nestled in the soil protruded into the soles of my shoes which carried me toward the sound of rushing water. I met the crackling, splashing, and rippling of the moving mountain stream. Although not a large roaring river, the waterway was more than a stream. I ventured up the rocky bank, mesmerized by the sight of the sunlight glistening across the surface of the drifting water. I stood still to concentrate upon the sound of “silence” and absorb the warmth of the sun’s rays. Turning around, I walked, listened, and watched the water flow as I meandered toward a grove of trees. Some deer nibbled on the grass peeking above the fallen leaves. Finding a well rounded stump, I sat down and watched the group of deer.
Nine deer in total, ranging in size from small and scrawny to medium and filled out. I marveled at their movements. They grazed and raised their heads. Their black eyes bore into my soul as I stared back at them. I watched their ears twitch and wondered about the rows of fine hairs creating protection. Their hooves gently moved along the uneven ground as they stood, skipped, and bent low. I sat in awe of these amazing creatures, designed by God.
It felt as though God and I sat on the stump together, taking in the intricacies and uniquenesses of His design. With the backdrop of the rushing water, sunshine filtering through the trees, and the smell of pine needles and trees, I sat unmoving. My soul rested. It was beautiful. So lovely, that my eyes welled with tears and worship filled my heart. I sat in awe of God and His creative work. Both the space of solitude and silence of creation cared for my soul. God met me there.
Sit – To be or remain in a particular position or state. To stop.
An hour later, with many of the deer lying within feet of me, I slowly rose from my stoop and began the walk up the hill and across the street. My soul overflowed with delight in God and His delight in me as we sat together in the quiet.
When have you sat with God, without agenda, journal, or phone?
I notice that the pace of life today moves fast. Society often looks for ways to “do” better and quicker. Microwave ovens, remote control devices, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini all promote efficiency. Whether body fitness, weight loss, or money investments, much of Instagram offers the illusion of easier and faster. We believe time is restricted and therefore function as though we must beat it. We squish our days full with little margin to reflect, relax, and be refreshed with God. Many rush from thing to thing without really thinking or enjoying the present moment.
How often do you sit with nothing to do? What happens within you when you have a spare moment?
Jesus spent many of His days lingering. Time offered opportunity. Time was not an opponent to beat. As Jesus and His disciples walked from village to village, they talked and likely walked in the quiet, enjoying the moment. Jesus visited with the woman at the well (John 4) and reclined over meals with people like Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and Simon, the Pharisee (Luke 7). Jesus withdrew to quiet spaces to be with the Father (Luke 5:16, Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:21). Jesus sat, enjoying the communion of the Trinity. Jesus did not live rushed.
Do you enjoy communion with the Trinity?
I imagine that much of Jesus’ encounters with God and others emerged without an agenda. He set off to quiet places and something happened. In the solitude, Jesus rested and received from the Father and the Holy Spirit. I wonder if the Trinity marveled at their creation, or maybe They needed to process the activities from the day. Or, perhaps They sat together and simply enjoyed the presence of one another. I feel curious about the ways these encounters unfolded – organically and delightfully.
What if you just stopped? The world continues to spin, the sun and moon both shine, gravity holds the earth in balance, and you could take a breath and linger with the Trinity. Jesus set off to quiet places; what about you?
Turn off the TV, shut down the computer, airplane mode your phone and sit. Sit on the front step, sit on the back porch, sit on the bench at the park, sit in the grass, sit in the sand, or sit along the patio. Sit without a plan. Sit to be with God, not solve your latest dilemma, or sort some issue. Just sit and give your soul permission to slow down to listen with God and see with God what surrounds you. Let yourself be present to God as He is present to you.
Sit and marvel with the Trinity. What do you experience together? You might even notice tears stinging your eyes, worship stirring in your heart, and the Trinity delighting over you and with you.
Sit.
This week – – –
Reflect. Take inventory of any quiet spaces in your week. Are there any? How can you be intentional to define space to sit and contemplate with God? This is different than being alone while driving the car, cooking dinner, or walking the dog. Those offer good respites for the soul, but I’m suggesting a complete stop of activity. We often justify our activity-driven mindset. Would you be willing to stop and sit with God without a plan? Talk with God about your internal narrative regarding this. To what does God invite you? Would you consider 10 minutes? 30 minutes? 60 minutes?
Request. God delights to be with you. Often we are distracted, even with God. Ask God, in His love, to reveal the distractions to communing with Him. Talk with God about it. To what does the Father lovingly remind you to pay attention? Let God increase your desire to be with Him. Delight in God as He delights in you.
Receive. Jesus got away and something happened. He lived restored, empowered, and satiated. Get away with God. Sit. Receive the care of God as He restores you, empowers you, and satisfies your soul with Himself.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Mark 1:35 – Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Luke 1:16 – But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
John Mark Comer. Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a World of Noise. New York, NY. 2026.
Ruth Haley Barton. Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence. Lisle, IL, 2010.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Phil Wickham. The Secret Place. Click here to watch & listen.
Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship. Won’t Stop. Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 24-28 – Quarryville, PA – Black Rock Retreat – Breathe Deeply – A Soul Care Encounter for Women.
November 9-13 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary Spiritual Direction Cohort
🙏 If you would like to partner with me through financial giving, click here to give a tax-deductible gift to The Soulcare Anchoress Fund.
Thank you! 🌷
To read Spigots written since 2018, click here: The Spigot