BOA #64 - Center Down - Finding calm in the storm! - a podcast by Dr. Stan Ott

In these days in which so many people feel on edge, it’s helpful to know the Quakers have an interesting and very useful expression, to center down. To center down is to create still moments in your life and reconnect with the presence of God and be refreshed.

One of the things that amazes me about Jesus Christ is that whether he was surrounded by pressing people or in a boat careening in a raging storm, there was always a centered-ness about him, a still center within him.

To center down, you must first create still moments, some quiet moments in your life. Get alone, read Scripture, pray. Bob Oerter who was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Boulder, Colorado many years ago, was speaking to a group of us who were all crazy busy when he said, “Learn to live with the load of the unfinished!” That good word stunned us and I have returned to it many times. You will always have a “do-list,” so learn to stop, to “center down” and be refreshed by your Lord!

Bob reminded me that the real issue isn’t my “do-list” but being centered on the Lord who loves us. To center down is to practice Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God!” Center down by setting aside a few moments in your life to focus on the presence of God, to listen, to read the Bible and to pray about the matters on your heart. Decide now to make this a daily practice and when and where you will do it.

Further episodes of The Building One Another Podcast

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