Static, like a constant buzz and vibration, hangs in the air these days. It is a background noise like the hum of a motor, or a radio station with a bad signal. This static is so pervasive we often become accustomed to it, only vaguely aware that something is slowing us down. With it comes a life sucking energy of constant distraction, draining our minds and spirits. Static can also mean: still, as in stuck, and difficult to move. Being stuck is the result of not pushing through the static to hear the Lord.
Pausing to actively seek our Creator is how we begin to identify and contrast the discord within us. Think about it for a moment. Can you discern the source(s) of the static in your life?
What about flow? Rather than being stuck, flow is about constant movement. It is dynamic, constantly changing, and it is usually calming, and sometimes exhilarating. Wind blows and flows, and so does water. Both of these are among the symbols of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. Consider a river, a spring, or the ocean tides. They all flow and they all demonstrate movement and change. Sometimes flows are calm, sometimes not so much. . . water, and wind, are both powerful. Wind can flow gently like a breeze, or with great force bringing change, like a storm and like Pentecost. The combination can be devastating or refreshing.
Personally, I prefer flow over static. I specifically prefer to be in Abba’s flow of the Holy Spirit. That is where change is exhilarating rather than hopeless.
There are only a few things, from my experience, to make static quiet down or go away. The most successful option is to exchange static for the flow. I am sure there are several ways to make that happen. For me, quieting myself to listen beyond the hum of the static is the first step. That means pausing to eliminate the sources of the static.
Asking Abba, “what, if anything, do I need to do to draw closer to you,” is helpful. Part of this is to actually listen to Abba, focusing on our Creator. Listening highlights the contrast between static and flow. This is when I give the source(s) of the static to Jesus. These days, media is a big example for me.
Another way to say it is: I take control of my atmosphere, by faith, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Word helps me to sharpen my focus on the Lord and His will. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4: 12
Worship in any fashion is excellent too. Singing is far from the only way to worship. Doing whatever brings us pleasure, however we sense the favor of God, is worship. A long walk in creation, especially with a camera and my dog, feeds my soul. It clears my head and realigns me with the flow of the Holy Spirit. What does that for you?
The result of stepping into the flow is so different from being stuck in the static. As we learn the habit of pushing past the static to the flow, we learn to how to avoid the static in the first place. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26: 3 From this place our discernment grows and we enter fully into the process of transformation to Christ likeness.
The door to the flow of our God is always open and the invitation is always active. Come on in! The water is fine!
