God’s gift . . .
Winter Rest: God’s Presence in the Silence
As I sit here writing in 100+ degree weather in North Texas, my mind drifts back over 50 years ago, to our college days and winters in Eastern Washington State . . . specifically to the abundant wheat fields covered with a precious layer of snow . . . Not everyone appreciates snow, but the farmers did . . . I was fascinated at the time by a crop they called winter wheat.
Winter wheat is sown in the fall, establishes a deep root system, then goes dormant during freezing temperatures of snow-covered fields . . . its roots also act as a protective cover crop during harsh winter months, anchoring the topsoil, and protecting against wind and water erosion, and controlling weeds . . . As the snow melts the seeds take advantage of early spring moisture and the spring warmth triggers the plants to “wake up” and continue growing and flowering.
God’s design . . . winter rest, spending time in God’s presence as it grows and becomes stronger away from the influences of a harsh winter . . . then, after a time of quiet and waiting, it’s ready to emerge into the light of day and continue with its purpose on this earth . . . Some days I think I could use a “vacation” like that—resting in God’s presence until I am ready to emerge into the light of day.
I can relate to the connection of those seeds spending time in winter rest and time waiting with God, but not everyone “gets snow” . . . especially here in the South . . . But then I hear the loud, whining, clicking song outside in the heat of the day and I remember the cicadas . . . again not everyone can feel connected to the “dog-day” cicadas we experience in Texas, but those with less “snow emotions” can most likely identify with the cicada songs of summer.
The cicadas . . . In Texas, cicadas are the loud, buzzing soundtrack of summer . . . they are different from those in the midwestern states that see massive 13 to 17-year periods of underground life . . . Texas mostly sees annual or multi-year "dog-day" cicadas . . . Cicadas spend more of their lives below ground than they do in the trees . . . Once they reach maturity and the soil warms up, cicadas slowly dig themselves out of the earth . . . As they emerge, they sing to find mates and live for just 5 to 6 weeks . . . And the process begins again as the nymphs from the eggs the adults have laid bury themselves in the soil until it is time to appear again.
The song of the cicadas, just like the winter wheat, connect us to thoughts about God through creation, transformation, and the sheer wonder of nature . . . Both the winter wheat and the cicadas spend time waiting underground, . . . along with many other seeds, insects, and animals . . . Time spent underground is time spent while God works His hand on creation—time spent in God’s presence that is critical to the rest of all our lives.
Do you feel like sometimes you are waiting in limbo for “what’s next”? . . . For what part of God’s plan is just resting out of reach, waiting for just the right timing—waiting for what is next in God’s plan?
There are lessons in the winter wheat . . . Waiting helps us grow stronger, sturdier, and healthier in the silence underground . . . God’s presence, God’s hand on creation, is what makes all this growth possible . . . Do we let God’s hand shape, nurture, and feed us while we wait? . . . Or do we rush on our timing, destroying the opportunities we have to develop deeper in His presence? . . . Sometimes all we need most is to hold tight to God’s presence in our lives, let God be God, and wait patiently.
INSIGHT . . .
“My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. My hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and the One Who saves me. He is my strong place.
I will not be shaken. My being safe and my honor rest with God.
My safe place is in God, the rock of my strength.
Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your heart before Him.
God is a safe place for us.”
Psalm 62:5-8
We all go through periods of winter rest—hibernation, pausing, waiting—at various times in our lives . . . And sometimes we experience more than just one big “wait” . . . There may be many things happening at the same time that require a variety of “waiting times” . . . Whether the wait is years long like the cicadas, or short like the winter wheat from fall to spring, we need to remain in God's presence . . . we need to put our trust and faith in our Father and His plans.
We live in a world that often connects busyness with productivity and purpose, so that quiet moments may seem insignificant, unnecessary, or even uncomfortable . . . But these pauses—moments of stillness—are important opportunities to connect with God, grow spiritually, and progress in our relationship with Him . . . And in the stillness, we have a more focused opportunity to hear God’s voice.
Pausing is important—it’s good for the heart and soul—the resting and taking a break from social activities, relaxing, taking a respite from a busy week, yearning to keep things quiet and simple, taking a breather from social plans to spend time alone . . . It’s not running away or retreating from life’s demands . . . It becomes a way to gain clarity, inspiration, and strength to move forward with God’s input.
Life is not defined by material conditions but by our unity with God . . . God’s kingdom is always here, and we recognize it as we turn to God in thought . . . This practice of embracing stillness can become an essential part of each day . . . Whether walking, praying, singing, or simply pausing between tasks, we can find quiet moments with opportunities to realign our thought with God . . . In these moments, things become clearer, and we gain peace, and the assurance that divine Love is always guiding us.
God’s voice is never absent; it is always speaking to us in the language of Love . . . The question is, “Are we making room to listen?”
Embracing quiet moments is not about neglecting our responsibilities but about deepening our awareness of life’s source and substance, divine Life . . . In stillness, we find the strength to move forward, the clarity to recognize and obey God’s direction, and the assurance that we are always loved and cared for.
INVITATION—TO TALK WITH GOD . . .
Scripture makes it clear that there is no right way to pray.
Remember, we don’t always have to pray long prayers.
Rather, it’s important we don’t go a long time without praying.
(Craig Groeschel)
We often feel like we are missing something if we don’t stay constantly active . . . Busyness can make us feel accepted, important, and in control, while noise distracts us from fretting over shortcomings and trials . . . So, we often avoid stillness and silence . . . But God is our refuge, no matter how many troubles or uncertainties surround us . . . Our journey ahead may seem long, scary, or overwhelming, but remember, God’s love surrounds us . . . He hears us, answers us, and stays with us . . . now and forever into eternity.
Do you struggle to be still and rest in God? . . . Why? . . . Or why not?
In the stillness. In the quiet. Feel the presence of God.
It is when you surrender completely to God, that you feel God and His love.
(Diane Mary Markey)
Stop! . . . Stop for a moment . . . Stop overthinking things . . . Stop going on to the next moment in the busyness of the day without thinking . . . And wait, put things into perspective, and be still in His presence.
“Hear this, everyone. Listen, all who live in the world.
Everyone—rich and poor, young and old, wise and foolish, humble and mighty—
My mouth will overflow with wisdom;
the reflections of my heart will guide you to understand the nature of life.”
Psalm 49:1-3
Will you allow God to begin to speak, to renew, and refresh your mind and heart?
How can God help you find time to slow down and listen? . . . Ask for His help.
We have to have times and moments—no matter where we are or what we are doing—to simply just stop for a second or two, still our minds and our hearts, and come to God welcoming presence . . . allow ourselves to meditate on His Word, to pray to the Lord, and to hear from Him.
How is God inviting you to trust Him in this very moment? . . . Are you listening?
What does God want you to learn from a time of winter rest?
What lessons has God provided from the cicadas especially for you?
ILLUMINATION . . .
Pause for a moment and consider this delicate purple flower pushing its way through the snow to find the sun . . . It’s just like when we need to push our way through the discord and dissonance of the world to be able to breathe fresh air, to be able to turn our faces fully to the Son, Jesus Christ.
This small flower is a crocus . . . Did you know, in the Bible, the crocus represents hope, resurrection, and God's power to bring vibrant new life out of barren places? . . . The crocus is often used as a metaphor for spiritual renewal . . . These beautiful flowers, seen as symbols of new life, joy, beauty, transformation, and celebration, signify the beauty and power of God’s divine presence.
"The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad;
the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus."
Isaiah 35:1
This passage is a prophecy of restoration, symbolizing how God's presence transforms spiritual or literal deserts into places of joy and abundance . . . just like He does for us . . . God takes our barren, dry, chaotic lives and restores and renews our hearts, souls, and lives into something beautiful and alive.
As you observe this flower, and all the other flowers that bloom throughout the seasons, remember God is with you—just look at His creations to be assured . . . When God is by your side there will be beauty even in the wilderness . . . With God’s grace, the new life prospers . . . God is the source of salvation, and when He restores, the blooms of our hearts and souls appear even in the deserts.
INSPIRATION—PRAYING THROUGH MUSIC . . .
Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can’t.
(J. Depp)
I encourage you to take time to listen to any or all the songs below . . . there is no right or wrong style of music—it is what speaks to you . . . listen to the melody and the lyrics and feel the response of your heart to what God wants you to hear . . . and I do understand that music doesn’t speak to everyone . . . and that is okay too.
♪♬♪ Current . . . My Soul Will Wait
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xLIjhGguXg&list=RD4xLIjhGguXg&start_radio=1
♪♬♪ Praise & Worship . . . In the Secret
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMRe4e-yDwE&list=RDSMRe4e-yDwE&start_radio=1
♪♬♪ Traditional . . . Have Thine Own Way Lord
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jab7TYIPko&list=RD5jab7TYIPko&start_radio=1
INTO EACH DAY AHEAD . . .
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1
In the tempo and timing of each day, find time to pause, reflect, and listen . . . Appreciate being able to rest in the shadow of the Lord . . . These quiet moments are not empty . . . They’re filled with God’s presence, and offer peace, inspiration, and the courage to live with purpose.
What is it about waiting, slowing down that is so hard?
I know that I often feel tons of pressure to make things happen “now” and I imagine you do too . . . Our earthly value is often deeply connected to our performance in what we’re doing “now” . . . In the stress and pressure we often complain more than we are grateful, are bitter more than glad, tired more than rested.
God invites us to slow down and wait on Him. . .Waiting requires that we trust God . . . and that is a good thing . . . Waiting slows us down, and it reminds us that God is in control of this world, and we are not . . . Remember, the world revolves around Him and not you or me . . . God makes things beautiful in His timing and not ours.
Stillness with God is never wasted. In those quiet moments,
He equips us with the courage and clarity we need to walk faithfully.
The more we listen, the more we will recognize His voice—and trust His guidance.
(In Touch Ministries)
At this moment God may be working on something in your heart, mind, and soul for your future and the future of God’s kingdom
. . . When you get anxious about it, think about the seeds resting under the snow taking their time to become stronger with God’s presence . . . or open your window, and hear the hum of the cicadas, recalling that God’s ways are not our ways and that God will make all things perfect in His timing . . . Be willing to wait on Him, as He prepares you for your next steps!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant presence in our lives
even when we don’t recognize or acknowledge it.
Thank you for never leaving us alone, even when times are hard.
We are grateful that You know our hearts better than we do,
and that You walk with us through every step of each day.
Your nearness brings peace to our minds and strength to our souls.
Help us remember how near You are to us,
and help us live each moment with thankful hearts.—Amen!
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