Those who have traveled to Haiti on mission trips with Lifeline know about spending time “on the roof.” The flat roof of the main building that houses the dorms, dining hall and kitchen offers a quiet place for personal devotions in the morning, and team devotions at night under the stars.
My favorite time to spend on the roof is early in the morning. The first rays of the sun carve deep shadows in the creases and crevices on the mountains to the south. To the north, I look out over the village of Grand Goave, and beyond it to the Caribbean Sea.
The village and Lifeline campus are gradually coming to life. The soft sounds of “whisk, whisk” are heard next door in the church building, as a faithful worker sweeps the floor, the sound of benches being moved across a concrete floor punctuating the early morning quiet. The sound of voices drift softly through air as families awaken and start preparing for the day. Off in the distance car horns and traffic can be heard on the main highway. Soon the happy voices of children are heard as they make their way on campus for the school day.
I love those early morning moments on the roof. The confluence of activities creates a symphony of sounds that brings evidence of life and activity in the community.
In Psalm 46:10 we are reminded, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This is the chapter that begins with these words, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” The psalmist in the following verses reminds us that in spite of whatever may come, God is in control.
Even in well-meaning attempts to know God, we can go about it in a way that causes us to be frustrated. We try to devise ways that will bring us closer to him, but instead we feel we are drifting further away from him. Could it be that perhaps we are placing too much emphasis on making a plan when in reality we need to stop for a moment, and listen?
“Be still and know that I am God.” Being still means just that – stop! Allow God to speak to us. Perhaps it is through a verse of scripture, through our time of prayer, through the wise counsel of a godly friend, or even just taking some time to focus our thoughts on what he has done, and is doing, in our lives and the lives of others.
In those moments of stillness, softly and gently at first, the presence of God becomes clearer to us. The focus becomes clearer, and there is evidence of life and the presence of God that we can see through new spiritual eyes. We are allowing God to work in us, rather than trying to work our way toward God.
Take some time to spend on your “roof,” wherever that may be, to be alone with God. Allow him to speak. Open your heart and allow him to reveal himself to you in a fresh way.
The time eventually comes when I have to leave that roof in Haiti and get into the activity of the day. But it is the moments of stillness that give new strength and fresh perspective to our walk with God through that day. May our time on the “roof,” of being still and knowing God, give us new strength and fresh perspective in our walk with Christ.
by Keith Dimbath, Laborlink Work Team Director, Lifeline Christian Mission
