Wait

​“By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies.” (Is. 30:15)

Modern life induces frenetic activity, and that can be especially true during the Christmas season. There is often SO much to do in seemingly so little time.

No matter how worthwhile our activity, it helps to “keep the main thing the main thing.” Waiting…calm…quiet…trust… These are the main things – signals that we are attuned to God’s saving presence. And waiting (not shopping or decorating) is the signature of the Advent season. Waiting in calm, quiet trust.

What is available for us when we wait in the quiet? The potential of experiencing Christ in the soul and through the senses. Anything that gets in the way of that intimacy with Christ, even productive busyness, robs us of what matters most.

“Drive far from me all…that hinders me from beholding you; from hearing you and delighting in you; from perceiving your fragrance; from touching, fearing, and ever remembering you;…from abiding in your presence and beginning to find delight in you…. It would be enough for me to have the words of Jesus Christ my Lord abiding in me and that I should perceive them with all my senses.” – St. Peter Faber (1546)

Here is where mindfulness practice can help us out as Christians. Paying attention to the present moment, perceiving sensory input, and being curious about whatever comes up – this creates the quiet space for us to practice abiding in God as he abides in us.

If you would like to work some quiet, faith-based mindfulness practice into your Advent season, you can find guided meditations recorded by me on the following platforms:

• YouTube.com/TheMindfulChristian
• SoundCloud.com/TheMindfulChristian
• InsightTimer.com/MindfulXian

 
Links to guides by other facilitators can be explored here.
​
Wishing you a quiet, calm, and trusting Advent season. May your patient waiting strengthen you as you connect with the joyful truth of God’s salvation!

Be still before the Lord and wait in patience. (Psalm 37:7)