I miss Star Hill.
Back in college, a dear friend would often ask me to go on evening walks. Usually I would beg off, already settled in for the night … or just too lazy to bother. Every once in a while I would go with her. We lived in a tiny college town in The-Middle-of-Nowhere, KY, so it didn’t take long to walk past campus to the quiet neighborhoods. As dusk set in, we would wander past sleepy homes and head to the top of a small rise where the town suddenly came to an end. Here, on a clear night in a dark, empty field, we would stretch out and explore the night sky. Our meager knowledge of constellations would soon give way to talks about life, family, and friends. And then we would just lie there in the cool grass and breathe in the beauty of the galaxies.
Looking back, I can’t remember the last time I felt so peaceful, so released from the worries of the world. I have been thinking a lot about Star Hill lately, wishing I could go back in time and recapture that lightness of the soul. And it occurred to me that those walks are a lot like the relationship I would like to have with God.
I feel like God is always asking me to go on walks with Him … but I have developed the habit of making excuses, ignoring Him, or being so busy that I don’t hear Him at all. Yet He is persistent and invites me again, “Come walk with Me a little while.” Eventually, the guilt sets in and I carve some time out of my schedule to spend with Him. But even with purposely designated time for God, my mind is a convulsive dance of anxiety and to-dos, not really focused on Him.
If only I could let my worries fall to the side and breathe in the peaceful rest He offers. Then we would talk … I mean really talk. God would tell some stories (He knows all the best ones) and we would laugh until our stomachs hurt. He would point out His favorite stars and tell me amazingly intimate details about them that only He could know … my mind would be blown! Then I would share my thoughts and feelings with Him. He’d listen even though He already knows everything. And He’d understand better than anyone what I’m going through. He possesses the best, most heart-piercing wisdom you could imagine; but before He shared that, He’d hug me, then remind me what He has promised for those who love Him. After that we would just lie back and take in the wonder of the Milky Way. He is the best friend ever. But He is also much more than that. He is my Soul-Redeemer, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Sacrificial Lamb, Yahweh, the Creator of those very stars.
Is it possible to experience that kind of communion with God on this side of heaven? Oh that’s right … thanks for messing that up, Adam and Eve! I bet they even had a Star Hill in Eden! But despite the rebellion of His children, God still desires fellowship with us. Throughout His word, He urges us to seek Him, to rest in Him, to be restored by Him.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7a (ESV)
Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. John 14:27a (NIV)
So why is it so difficult to actually do this? I could blame it on the frenzied, media-bloated world we live in, or weariness from work, or even busyness at church. But ultimately, the difficulty is me. Deep down, I know that I could set aside my to-do list, sit down, and just seek out God. It may be challenging at first, but I know God would honor my effort by helping to calm my anxious spirit.
Recently I ran across some verses that I have known since I was a child. I have recited them numerous times, but the words struck me as I read them again.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul. Psalm 23 1-3a (ESV)
Sound somewhat familiar? My only criticism is that David left out the part about the stars! Maybe my longing for that walk is not so far-fetched after all!
So here goes … God, I know You must have a lot to say to me and I truly want to listen. I just ask that You quiet my mind so I can allow You to restore my soul. Help me to be ready to meet with You more often, to go deeper into our relationship. I can’t wait to walk with You to Star Hill!
Becca is a regular contributor of Triple Braided. She is a daughter, sister, aunt and, most importantly, a child of the King. She loves singing, reading, hiking, cooking, serving at her church and hanging out with her sweet nieces. Becca works as a curriculum developer at a credit union in her home state of North Carolina.
What is your biggest hinderance to really walking with God and knowing Him personally?
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