Sitting
I don’t sit a lot. Most you know I like to be on the go. I like to stay busy.
I had a little down time this morning before our sessions started here in the Dominican and decided to go running on the beach. During my run I saw the coolest little rock formation and just felt prompted to sit for a few minutes (took a pic for you below).
This may sound a little “kooky” to a few of you but while I was sitting there I really felt God’s presence. For the next 30 minutes I had a great conversation with God. I think I must have had some unresolved issues from my trip to India two weeks ago.
I questioned.
I cried.
I expressed my disappointment.
I got angry.
I was thankful.
I dreamed.
I was once again reminded of the wonder of a God who has created the universe (including this incredible vast ocean before me) but still wants to engage me on an intimate level. I was reminded of how I need to sit more often.
How about you? Have you sat lately?
Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”
62 Comments:
Honestly, how can you not look at that and not feel God’s presence – not feel His majesty! I am getting lost just in the picture!
)
I am learning the art of being still. It is a spiritual discipline that I thought would be easy! HaHa! I didn’t realize the clamor that occupies my being until I tried to be quiet. Yet, when the stillness comes I can hear my Savior whisper. I hunger for those moments. I long to hear Him.
Shalom,
Denise
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[Reply]
Denise
5:21 am
As a believer, why would feeling God’s presence be “kooky”? I’d be more inclined to say you should feel privileged, as that palpable presence sense is rare for most believers. And that water is beautiful…
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Damon
5:22 am
I sit all the time. Sitting quietly, takes determined effort on my part…and so worth the trouble.
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sherri
5:27 am
Pete, the last few years I’ve camped out in Psalm 37:7, “Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for HIM to act.” While I don’t do it often enough, my experience in ministry taught me one thing: all things are not in my control. I cannot fix them all. I cannot right every wrong. I cannot always protect my church from other’s actions. I cannot be God.
Sitting in His presence helps me remember that HE is God and that I am not. It helps me rely on Him to act, knowing there is a work that only He can do.
Blessings my friend. I am planning a trip to the DR to work with G.O. Ministries churches worship ministers. I plan to go at the end of October. Please pray that this all works out and pray for me as I write this curriculum. I feel a bit overwhelmed by it!
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jan owen
5:42 am
I am energized by staying busy and the only time I can “sit” is late at night or early in the morning. Today is my day off, but I got up early to sit and listen to God’s Whispers… which will allow me to dream all day!
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@ScottWilliams
5:45 am
It’s not kooky, it’s precious
I’m also exploring solitude and other spiritual disciplines now and finding there is a far greater variety of ways to connect with God and feel his presence than I had been aware of. It’s exciting stuff!
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Larry Baxter
5:56 am
God created that “kooky” feeling, too, along with that marvelous ocean and shifting sand. Nothing too big or small for Him! Thanks for the “sit” moment. It forced me to be still a little longer before heading out on a day when I won’t sit much. I pray He keeps you safe on your travels.
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Candy
6:07 am
I sit all the time. In front of the computer at work. At home on the couch watching the game. Of course, this is nothing like the type of sitting you’re talking about. I think an addition to the “sitting” analogy is perhaps “sitting and being still”. That’s really hard for me, but I know it’s something I need desperately. In today’s always on world, there’s always a blackberry to check, a blog to read…and these can be good things (like the time I just took to read your post!) But oh, how my soul does need quiet, still time. Thanks for reminding me of that this morning.
Now, I guess I should go off and tweet about this
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Zack
6:22 am
Yeah, sitting would be good for me too. You know I don’t do that well either. So glad you had this time.
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Jenni Catron
6:26 am
I need to sit…I really need to sit
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joseph
6:32 am
Pete, I think it’s awesome that you felt God’s presence. There has been several encounters where I felt his presence. My biggest one is when I became a Christian in ’97 when my friends and I went to a lake in KY. While my friend and I were praying, it was so quite and all of a sudden I heard footsteps in the water! When we got done, I asked her if she heard them and she said “no”. I looked around an no one else was around and that’s when I knew that God was speaking to me. I love those special moments b/w me and God!!
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Falguni
6:37 am
yes.
I don’t really get alone time but when my 18 mo old is falling asleep at night, I sit by his crib, read a devotional with a small booklight and then I turn it off and try to meditate on what I just read. I enjoy that. I can hear his breathing while he is falling asleep/sleeping which is a nice added bonus.
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Gina
6:47 am
wow—thanks for that reminder. isn’t it incredible and infathomable that God wants to be our friend??
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Kelly
7:15 am
That picture is beautiful! I can understand why you felt God’s presence.
I have been sitting a little each morning because I have started reading the Bible. I started with Matthew because I missed out on your 28 day read a while back and thought I’d start there.
Sometimes I have to go back and re-read and scratch my head but I think I’m getting it.
And I have to say — I feel a whole lot better during the day. Not quite so frazzled or stressed out – I feel peaceful.
Thanks for that!
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NancyJ
7:16 am
I used to get that feeling, sitting on a horse. I’m not really an outdoors person but when I used to ride my horse in the woods, away from it all, I’d get that “God is near” feeling. My horse died a couple years ago and I miss it. I guess I’ll have to take my chihuahua for a walk in the woods.
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britt
7:17 am
I have been feeling that I need a sabbatical for some time now. I remember when I went on an Emmaus Walk that I hadn’t realized how low my batteries had become until I took a moment to ‘unplug’ from the world and ‘plug’ into God.
I need another one of those times. I had thought about posting on those sentiments today but it appears you have already done a fabulous job of saying what I have been feeling.
By the way… that photo of the ocean is just awesome.
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Tony York
7:19 am
I used to all the time back in CA – on the beach, on cliff tops, from the airplane while flying alone and REALLY feeling God with me there…
I’ve struggled with this since moving to Nashville … I need to find a new sitting spot.
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Paula
7:21 am
I love to get away from it all….go to the country (what little bit is left!) and meditate. That is really hard for me to do with TV, phone, computer, dirty laundry, meals that need to be prepared….of course, everyone’s list is LONG!
I love to focus on the trees as they blow in the wind and know that God is causing ALL things to work together! He is AWESOME!
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bluegoose
7:24 am
I want to use this image as my reminder and have on my background – can you send me the image separately so it’s a bit higher res?
Prayers with ya, Pete!
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Paula
7:25 am
It’s funny, the feeling that I get when I have an experience with God’s presence like this one, it is better than any other “feeling” in my life. So, why don’t I find a place to do it everyday? In my opinion, one word: EVIL, and I give in to quiet time with evil way more often than with GOD. I guess this makes you all my priest, LOL James 5:16
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Jody
7:26 am
That is an incredibly beautiful view!! My favorite place to sit and just be in God’s presence is on the beach, especially at sunset. There are times when I feel like He’s right there sitting next to me. Awesome!
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Maureen
7:26 am
Doesn’t “kooky” and “Pastor Pete” sort of go together like peanut butter and jelly? I thought that was a given.
Kidding aside, I love your heart for God and for his children. (But you are silly.)
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katdish
7:27 am
I used to love the lagoon in my old neighborhood for that. Believe it or not, they changed the landscape and fenced it in, so I can’t do that anymore. I’m sure I’ll find a new place. The lake works well, but I can’t get to it often.
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Helen
7:37 am
Oh that is one of my favorite Scriptures!
Thank YOU! And I am blown away by that photo….
I have to force myself to be still…..in fact I struggle with this often.
We had a great “still” moment last weekend….my husband, kids and I sat….and sat……and sat……and watched the miraculous event of our baby chicks being born. It brought me to tears to really think about the miracle of life. Watching the mama hen care for her babes was such a display of God’s amazing attention to detail when He designed all His Kingdom.
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*~Michelle~*
7:46 am
That is the most beautiful picture! I think I would even enjoy exercise if I got to do it on a beach like that!
I don’t take nearly enough quiet time with Jesus. I think sometimes I’m afraid of what He’ll tell me. But oh how I enjoy the time when I take it!
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Melody
8:14 am
I’d have no problem sitting if it was in front of a view like that!
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Sarah
8:20 am
This was great Pete!! Needed this today!!!
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Lauren Kelly
8:44 am
WARNING!!! This is honest & uncut.
THANK YOU! for this Pete. I need this right now. I just got laid off my barista job two days ago and I have NO frakkin’ clue where the hell the next one is going to come from, or where to look.
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Lacking Directiona
10:18 am
Not as often as I should…I have such a hard time tuning things out and slowing down my brain!
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Chere
10:19 am
Thank you for that!!! Being a single mom I find myself not sitting enough and just enjoying that one on one with God..I am the one that talks to God while I am driving, getting ready, or any other time I am alone(not alone often with daughters, but still I am moving most of the time) I needed the reminder that just siting there waiting on God is awesome!! That was great Cooky never!!! Being with God is always AWESOME!!!
Rachel
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Rachel Way
10:31 am
Beautiful photo. It’s clear how that would inspire one to think deep thoughts, and ponder God. I need to find time to sit still more, too. Maybe if I can do that, God will give me a gorgeous view, too… [Oh, and speaking as a fellow pale WASPY person, I hope you took plenty of sunscreen..]
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Dee
11:16 am
@Lacking direction, thanks so much for your “honest and uncut” view of life. I WILL pray for you right now.
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Pete Wilson
11:26 am
I had to learn that there is a big difference between sitting still and being still. Life requires me to sit still a lot. But I have to consciously BE still if I want to be truly listening to Him.
So glad you had the chance to be still in such a beautiful place.
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gitz
11:32 am
I just love it when we have these moments with God. Its sometimes just too much. So thankful you had it. Going to sit down right now and just have me a time with Him.
Hugs,
Fran
Fran’s last blog post..Do I really want them to grow up?
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Fran
12:20 pm
@ gitz: SO true.
@ Pete: thanks for making me miss Exuma even more! :p
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Susan
12:32 pm
I’m not still like I should be. I tend to feel the need to be on the go. I know that I should be still more but its hard. I think its hard for me because when I”m still thats when I break down.
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amy
12:38 pm
Wow, what a gorgeous photo! How awesome to actually feel God’s presence. I’m sad to say that I don’t sit still enough meditating on Him like I should. And when I do, why is it that the daily “to do list” is always at the forefront of my mind? It’s that battle, ya know.
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Brenda
1:01 pm
We just talked about this concept at church last night. Check my blog post for the whole thing.. http://wannabetheologian.wordpress.com.
Basically though the message was that busyness is in our culture has become a badge of honor. The busier you are, the more worth you have because clearly you’re doing important stuff.
God honors rest! He even made it Holy! I want to be more intentional at creating times of rest in my life, and I pray the same for you!
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Jeremy Anderberg
1:28 pm
when i get overwhelmed, i do the very same thing. i go to the beach & sit. no computer. no phone. no tv. no kids. just God & me. best therapy in the world.
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ginger
1:54 pm
I’m not good at ‘stilling my soul’, but like you I have had really powerful and unexpected experiences of God at times that I do. Which makes me wonder, why do I not prioritise this? It is hard to hear whispers when you are surrounded by bustle and busyness. Thank you for a beautiful reminder of the God who waits for us to wait for him.
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bring on the joy
2:11 pm
Fabulous thought…I need to sit for sure!
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Amber L
2:32 pm
@Ginger, I couldn’t agree more. It’s absolutely amazing.
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Pete Wilson
2:34 pm
Pete,I’m really glad you’re finding time to “be still and know”. It’s so hard to do. I love that we serve a God that we can question, cry, express disappointment, and get angry. I think God loves those conversations.
I am praying for you!
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Jeff Loring
3:49 pm
May I use your photo of the beach on my blog?
Lisa
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Lisa
4:30 pm
@Lisa, Absolutely!
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Pete Wilson
4:36 pm
Pete,
Praying for your trip! Praising God for the quiet time you had with Him today!
Thankful for the amazing photo you shared with us – I am sitting still admiring His handiwork!
I’m off to the beach for the day tomorrow with our oldest daughter just to soak Him in!
Two weeks from now I’m off with my dearest friend through adoption for some true R&R no one but God and us! Can’t wait!
Praying on God’s calling me and our family to missionary work!
Blessings and love,
Jill
PS You are doing so many things right and praying you keep soaking in all He has for you!
Jill’s last blog post..Fearfully Fabulous Friday -
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Jill
6:58 pm
What an amazing picture. I guess I should say “what an amazing creation.” Ah, sitting still. God had been telling me to sit still for a few years. I try. I am terrible at it. I am always doing something, often something stupid and mindless. I really would like to develop a practice of sitting and listening to God. The times I do sit and try to be still I start to cry. What does that say about what is going on inside of me?!! Yikes. praying for you during this time.
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Tracy
8:23 pm
@Thanks Jill. It’s been an unbelievable three weeks. God’s doing some really cool things in my life. My heart feels like it’s going to explode.
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Pete Wilson
9:17 pm
I haven’t been completely quiet in days…thanks for the reminder.
And all that God is doing in your heart is going to benifit so many…prayers for you…
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Robin
12:02 am
I have a terrible time being still. I just can’t seem to do it! I always have to be reading a book, listening to an audiotape, or something. Even when I’m falling asleep at night, I put my earphones on and listen to my latest audiobook.
So I don’t know . . . that leaves me very little chance of hearing the still, small voice, doesn’t it? No wonder I often feel unsure and directionless!
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Jan C.
6:04 am
I have to force myself to sit. Last time was a couple weeks ago when we spent time at the San Juan Islands in Washington state. I forced myself to get up before the family, go down to the sound, sit on the driftwood and watch the wildlife pass by. The soul tank got full that day.
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Des
9:11 am
God is good.
You are cool.
I’m happy to “know” you.
I’m a “little” older than you, and I remember those days of racing around, chasing young kids, bumping into walls sometimes. As new empty-nesters and a recent ‘retiree’ from my rat-race job, God has called me to places of quiet. It’s a blessed, sweet season and I’m so thankful. Praying for you!
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Leslie
9:55 am
Wow! Reminds me of PR. You know a little boat ride and you’d be there in no time.
Ever need an ear…you know where to find one…and you know one is all I’ve got to give.
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kc
3:58 pm
I dont do this well either. must run in the family
But when I do it is soooo refreshing!
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Jessica Esch
4:38 pm
I sat just this morning actually. It’d been a while. Yesterday i dismissed the 119 Psalm due to it’s length because i thought i didn’t have the time. Today i was fully blessed by it’s length, and then sat and listened for the first time in while. Refreshing and Invigorating.
But i never feel closer to God than when i’m alone with my feet in the sand looking out over the vastness of the ocean. If i don’t get alone on a beach at least once a year, i start to forget how big God is.
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marc
7:56 pm
This sitting at the feet of Jesus is challenging for me, and it has been on my heart more lately. In fact, I too did a blog awhile back about it, because God has been building into me. I came from a family that was always busy, on the move, very seldom physically, mentally, or spiritually still, so feel guilty now if I choose stillness. I know it is what God would have for me and even our family at times, but our culture says something different. It is great to hear this truth from a pastor. I think David, Job, Paul, Jesus, Mary and many others heard God in their stillness. Praying for you and your family!
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Wendy Ingram
9:31 pm
No, I haven’t “sat” lately and thanks a whole lot for that big fat conviction. Dang you.
In other news…I have been thinking a lot about what you said in your last post about Moise and how he isn’t interested in covos about church parking lots or conferences…he is interested in things like the salvation of the people there and how to build the church on Scripture. So then I was thinking about you being there and how encouraging it must be for you to keep going back and how that friendship MUST mean the world to him because I know what it means to me when people consistently come here and not only love on us but love the people I have come to love and how we all work together. It is so freakin true. We can’t all live in Haiti or China or South Africa or even America. We can’t all be a part of a big fat mega church and run children’s ministry (or sound, or janitor ministry, or youth group) but in the same sentence, we can’t all sell our stuff and move to the mission field either. We all have our place Pete. I know that you are there to encourage Moise and love him, but I hope that you are encouraged as well because you are where you need to be. You are there at Cross Point to love and lead and teach and grow and even talk to people about parking lots, conferences and situations I can’t even imagine. People like us will run soup clubs and support groups, and people like you will run whatever it is that you do and when the day comes, we will all come together and hear those beautiful and piercing words….”well done”. So thank you. Thank you for caring for Moise and for your example of fellowship. It was encouraging, even from here.
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kristiapplesauce
8:18 am
@kristiapplesauce, Wow! Thank you so much. My time with Moise was very encouraging and your comment helped me tie it all together.
Love your heart and what God is doing through you.
Thanks again.
pete wilson’s last blog post..Sitting
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pete wilson
12:39 pm
Great pic! This is so funny-this morning at church our pastor talked about the Sabbath-doing nothing, rebooting, being still and talking with God. How important it is to shut down for a whole day and just soak him in to be ready for the week.
Glad you did just that-thanks for sharing! You are quite the traveler!
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Kim Harr
8:58 pm
This is something that I try to do often.
At least once a month.
But I haven’t in a while.
In a major transition period in my life, when I need this time most, I find myself too busy to pull myself away.
Thanks for the much needed reminder!
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Kyle Gilbert
7:26 am
I could definitely use some sitting time.
That picture is gorgeous!
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Mommy Cracked
9:11 am
Pardon my ignorance, but I’m often inspired by people who take time to sit still and listen to God, but I really don’t understand at all what a conversation like this looks like in this physical world.
When you say you stopped and did those things with God, is that in writing, in your head, out loud??? Not that you have to share those details, but as someone who doesn’t exactly ‘get’ the whole relationship with Christ, I’m having a hard time figuring out the how.
I’m pretty sure I want to follow God, but I’m lacking on the how to start in the non obvious ways.
I am going to the DR in July, so maybe I’ll see those rocks and it’ll all click
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lotsaquestions
7:59 pm