Just be still with me.

During my 5 minutes of silence with the Lord this morning, my mind wouldn’t stop. I just kept praying. I heard the Lord tell me, “just be still with me.” 

During my quiet time, one of the places I like to imagine is a lake we once camped at in the pines. I find myself just sitting in the peace on the bank with the Lord. It’s warm with a light breeze. The water is moving a bit and the sun is glittering on the lake. The wind can be heard blowing through the trees. It’s so serene and beautiful. 

As the Lord and I sat in this place today, He told me, just be still with me.” It was loving with no condemnation. Just a loving invitation. As we sat, He asked, “do you see that man across the lake?” I stopped and replied, “yes…” He said, “ you only saw him because I pointed him out to you. You would have otherwise missed him because you have been so focused on your own circumstances. Look around and see how you can be present for others. It will make your burdens seem lighter.” 

I then remembered the passage of scripture I read this morning in John 5. John 5:1-16 tells the story of the disabled man at the pool of Bethesda. This morning after reading it, I wrote “How long has this man been trying to get in? No one has helped him or offered to help him? No one showed kindness or thought to assist him?” I was so sad about this when I wrote it and kept thinking, “how can people just pass by and not offer help?”

When I stopped to think about this, I realized something significant… When we are wrapped up in our own “stuff” we seldom see those hurting around us. So many at the pool were trying to find healing for themselves and didn’t think about those around them who were hurting as well. 

Lord, help me to see those hurting around me with your eyes. Help me to show compassion and your love to those that need it. Help me to take my eyes off of my own hurts and self focus and see those who need you around me. Let me be your hands and feet and show them your light. Lead me to share the gospel with those who need it the most. In your name I pray, Amen. 

Author: Heather Cook

Heather Cook is the Women's Ministry Coordinator at VC. She is married to her husband Tyler and together they have 3 beautiful daughters. They have attended and served at VC since 2013. Heather believes in encouraging women to be who God created them to be. She enjoys being a listening ear and a kind word for those around her. You can find her at @heyheathercook on any social media platform. View all posts by Heather Cook