It was a simple thought, but one packed with power. My brother was telling me that he had been contemplating the other morning how water can only produce an accurate reflection when perfectly still-- how we can only produce an accurate reflection when perfectly still. That thought really struck a cord with me. The depth of it's meaning is something I'm still trying to get my mind around. Just as the restless water produces a distorted reflection, we produce a distorted reflection of our Maker when we allow the storms of life to shake our trust, or when we become so frazzled by the business of life that we lose sight of Him. It's no accident we are told to "be still" and know that He is God. A complete reflection of our Jesus can only shine from the heart that is perfectly still. That rules out anxiety, which is really just a lack of trust. It rules out the all-consuming business that leaves no time for Him. It completely dispenses with frustration of any kind. Instead this reflection requires trust. The kind that believes in the heart of it's Savior, even when it doesn't understand. It asks us to be willing to accept His plans instead of our own, without having a "grown up tantrum." We've all seen the little child's version, but do we ever consider that sometimes we throw grown up "internal" tantrums when God says no? This summer has given me plenty of opportunity for them (like even this afternoon when I found out there are only four more GED testing dates this year at the "local" college before the new GED comes out, and two of them are on Sabbath, and one we are likely traveling, and the other will probably be booked by the time I get the necessary papers. :)) But I'm learning that real peace is found in giving Him the pen. I had definite aims and deadlines, ones that I'd prayed about and thought were right for the last few months. But sometimes He knows we need the gentle push towards deeper surrender and reliance on Him that disappointed plans will bring. And then, we can either struggle or surrender. But the restless water caused by the struggle reflects the Image poorly. This reflecting Him... It calls for time daily to come apart and learn of His heart. Only the individual who knows the Master can reflect Him... It asks us to be still. So still that not only the world-- but also our Maker-- can see His face perfectly reflected in us. It's the kind of stillness that only comes through trust.
*Be all at rest and let not your heart be rippled, For tiny wavelets mar the image fair, Which the still pool reflects of heaven's glory. And thus the image He would have you bear. *Streams in the Desert Photos taken at NJFC Credits: father :)
11 Comments
Rebekah
9/1/2014 04:03:05 am
Ahh, a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing, this was just what I needed. Sometimes we worry about the silliest things (I'm talking about myself here).
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Riarna Toa
9/1/2014 04:03:36 am
Hmm, so true! I've never thought of water that way, what a great point! Loved it!
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Rebekah
9/1/2014 04:04:07 am
I just made an interesting observation: The water must not only be still, but clean...
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9/1/2014 04:04:54 am
Mmm. Good point. The reflection is more beautiful in clean water. Oh to be pure!
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Blake Montana
9/1/2014 04:06:14 am
Excellent point! We have to take aside some time and "sit still" to study His Word, only then can we truly reflect our Maker's image! I've wrote of that object lesson before on my blog. :)
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Sabrina Oliver
9/1/2014 04:06:55 am
Thank you for sharing this! I needed it. :)
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Sabrina Oliver
9/1/2014 04:07:23 am
Do you mind if I re-post this on my blog?
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9/1/2014 04:08:08 am
Absolutely! Feel free to re-post anything... I want it to be a blessing to as many as possible.
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Sheila Edeliant
9/1/2014 04:08:54 am
What a lovely, powerful object lesson. I want to carry this one with me in my heart for sure! I also like Rebekah's point about the clean water.
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Hannah Rayne20. Lover of Jesus. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Servant. Fan of the kitchen. Graduate of Masters of Biblical Counseling.
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