September already! The new school year is starting, fall activities begin, and routines and schedules resume. For most, this time of year is anything but a time of stillness! As a career educator, I have gone “back to school” more times than I can count, and it is always just as crazy and intense when the calendar flips to September. Although there’s excitement in the air, this new season promises NOT a lot of stillness. Is it possible to “Be Still” in the middle of a packed schedule? Is this stillness referring to an absence of activity, or is it more of a mindset?

I’m sure you’ve noticed our fall calendar is packed at LTCC. Our Intentional Discipleship Studies are starting, along with ministry and fellowship opportunities for the entire family. Our Women’s Ministry year will launch with breakfast on September 21. That morning, we’ll share plans for our upcoming events and set the framework for our theme, “Be Still and Know.” Throughout the year, we’ll develop the theme from Psalm 46 of Resting (Being Still) with our mind, heart and feet. Being still and knowing He is Sovereign, Faithful and Exalted; being still and knowing that He is our Savior, Strength and Joy; and being still and knowing He is our Defender, Help and source of Peace.

From the writings of Rev. Billy Graham:

“For those who belong to Christ and have Him at the center of life, God is near. When we struggle, fight, and strive for our way, we are not ’resting‘ in the Lord. ’Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret’ (Psalm 37:7).

We must let go of inner tensions that life sends our way, trusting in God moment by moment. A victorious Christian is confident that God is in control. Reliance on the Holy Spirit gives us physical and emotional rest as we set our minds on Christ.”

As I have spent time in Psalm 46, I am reminded that this stillness has very little to do with my activity level. It’s a mindset choice to REST in Him.... Releasing-Everything-Simply-Trusting. As I enter His presence, with my eyes focused intently upon Him, surrendering my will and desires, I find Him to be everything I need for the situation or circumstance. He promises to be our very present help in trouble. Regardless of the

season, or activity level, He calls us into this type of rest, even if it means we are resting on the run.