STAY HOME- BE STILL | Session 4Psalm 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

As we are all under social distancing restrictions and everything we know and hold dear has been cancelled, including our Spring retreat, I believethe Lord is extending an even more urgent callfor us to be still and draw close to him. He is our omnipresent, omniscient sovereign, all sufficient Lord. He is allowing so many of our distractionsto be stopped, silenced and stilled. Let us stop,let us rest in silence, let us hear His voice callingto abide in His presence.

Psalm 46:10 Know that I am God.

Another way that God allows us to know him is by observing the creation he made for us to enjoy. Materials you will need: - Bible - Journal - Pen - A favorite nature/landscape photo.

Read and meditate on the following verses as you draw close to God in the quiet of your days, this week.

1 Timothy 6:17(ESV)As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Romans 1:19-20 (ESV)19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Psalm 19:1-3 (ESV)1The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.

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Answer the following questions in your journal and sharewith your group.

What do these verses tell you about who God is?

Which part of God’s character do you think is most displayed by His cre-ation?

In what ways can we “enjoy” God’s creation?

What do you understand from these verses to be the purpose of God’s creation?

Which part of creation reveals God to you in the most impactful way?

Challenge question: In Romans 1:20 (above), who is the “they” that have “no excuse”?

No excuse for what? Explain this in your own words in your journal.

What excuses might you have for not knowing God?

Where in God’s creation do you consider your “happy place” to be? Describe it. Why do you think this is your “happy place”?

Where do you most see God’s fingerprints in creation right now?

How do all things of the creation grow your understanding of who God is?

What impact does observing the things of creation have on your spiritual growth?

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Here are a couple of links for you to access as you worship in the quiet of your time seeking God today:

youtube.com/watch?v=oTOtAeJN2p8

youtube.com/watch?v=1RgM3SA1xgE

Creative family activity:

Determine your personal favorite part of God’s creation that speaks to your heart. Either take a photo of it or paint it. Match it to your favorite creation verse. Memorize this verse and post it in a prominent place in your home to help you keep that precious word of God in your heart.

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