Being Still - Selah by Fiona Holland

Indeed! I graduated college, officially have a piece of paper stating I have a special skill set, and have the freedom to go anywhere in the world - no pressure. ☺ But the real question everyone asks and that I have to answer is, “What are your plans now”? It is a valid question and one I, above all others, wish I knew the answer to. Of course, finding out about the Nashville Fellows Program and being accepted into the program has helped direct my path at least for the next nine months. However, when it draws to an end, the question still remains – what am I going to do now? It is extremely difficult at times to soak in the moment and not be concerned with what is coming up next. Schedules, friends, family, homework, phone calls, appointments, work, exercising, eating right, following up, and more are all pressures that fuel us to go, go, go. All. The. Time. Like most, I enjoy being productive in everything I do; so to remain in one place in order to rest is no easy task. Honestly, I have begun to schedule time alone with the Lord to ensure it takes place; that I am able to listen to His voice and soak in His presence.

Resting is not something that comes naturally, especially in today’s society. Nevertheless, the importance of reserving a Sabbath day is vital to one’s mental, physical, and most significantly, spiritual well-being. From personal experience, I have learned that when my priorities are first focused on finishing homework, going to gatherings, cleaning, running errands, or even spending time with others, it is impossible to balance it all. Everything ends up falling apart, and people are let down. Failing is not something I intend to do, but despite knowing that I cannot not accomplish it all in my own strength, I still try and fail. Thankfully, this is not the end of the story since we serve a God who is our strength when we are weak; He does not turn away or stop pursuing us. Why? Because Jesus Christ desires a relationship with us. We are His inheritance from the Father – what a truly beautiful thing! In turn, we can respond out of the love He has bestowed upon us and spend quality time with our Creator. The concept that we can live out of a resting place with God instead of living for the rest is fascinating to me. It is the abundance of the Lord Jesus that flows out of us when we spend time in Him – seeking, asking, soaking, loving.

At the beginning of this semester, each Fellow spent some time inquiring of the Lord to reveal a verse from the Bible that He will use in his or her individual life this year. I believe God gave me Psalms 46:9-11 which states: “He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the chariots with fire. Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress…Selah.” From this, I felt God explain to me that out of the chaos or busyness of this year, He wishes for me to give Him first priority; to be still and rest in Him. And Selah meaning to take time to ponder what He is saying, teaching, and where He is leading.

I am truly excited for this year and so thankful for all the astounding people I have met thus far and will continue to meet as the year progresses! My hope and prayer is that the Lord will use these words to encourage you as you walk out the path He has for you. Remember to take moments each day to breathe in God’s glorious presence and exhale His wonderful praise. Selah.