When was the last time that you did absolutely nothing? I am convinced that we need to carve out some time in each day to do just that – nothing. Take time to renew, recharge and reflect. There are many references in the Bible that encourage us to do that.

 “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

 “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).

“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.  In quietness and confidence is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).

 “But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).

The New Testament gives many examples of Jesus pulling away from the crowds to be alone. It was those times of rest, reflection and prayer that recharged him for the tasks ahead. If Jesus needed this time for renewal, we need it even more. So often, we rush here and there, looking for solutions. But those solutions cannot be found in the hustle and bustle. They will be found when we stop and listen to God’s voice. Although He can yell, more often He speaks to us in a still, small voice. That voice can only be heard when we are still.

So carve out some time each day to do absolutely nothing. Learn to enjoy “il dolce far niente.”

I was reflecting on that experience recently when I realized how much floating is like faith. In order to learn to swim I had to trust that the water would hold me up. Having faith in God requires that we relax and trust Him. Our relationship with Him is built on trust.

The Bible is full of scriptures about faith. Hebrews 11:1 says  “Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see” (CEV).  The sixth verse of the same chapter says “But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him.”

Having faith and keeping it is not easy. Having blind faith is contrary to our human nature. Trusting seems too passive – we want to do something.

When Moses and the Israelites stood at the Red Sea with the Egyptians hot on their heels, their faith was really tested. I doubt that standing still was the first thing that came to mind. But Moses told them to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. And it worked!

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know (recognize and understand) that I am God” (AMP). In order to trust Him, we must know Him. Once we become acquainted with His loving nature it becomes easier to trust Him with every detail of our lives.

Learning to swim was a one-time activity. Walking and growing in faith is different. It is a life-long endeavor, something to be cultivated daily.

In learning to swim I found that floating was a positional matter. I couldn’t just walk out onto the water and expect it to hold me up. I had to lie prone in the water in order to succeed. I have found that having faith is also positional. In order to trust, one must be still, relax. No doubt you’ve heard the cliché’, “let go and let God.” The phrase may be overused, but it really does work. So my advice to you this week is: just float baby, just float!