Be Still: Daily Reflections
A Prayer, Poem, Story or Reflection for Each Day
By David Timothy Holdsworth
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
(Psalm 46:10 ESV)
From the Author
Hi,
Welcome!
Here is a bit about me:
I am a husband, father, son, brother, friend, keyworker, non-conformist, follower of Jesus, engulfed in a revolution of the heart.
On my site you will find a collection of reflections that you can read daily or as and when you feel like it.
I hope you enjoy your visit to my site.
Feel free to also read my story via the link below.
Every blessing.
David (DTH)
Dedicated to all my fellow keyworkers during the pandemic of 2020
¶ "I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." (J.R.R. Tolkien) ¶ “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” (John Wesley)
Day 1: Time
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12 ESV)
Time goes marching on.
Many an empire has come and gone.
Yet we remain.
Watching the ticking clock and the sifting sands of time.
Time goes marching on.
Many a friend has been and gone.
Yet we remain.
Watching the ticking clock and the sifting sands of time.
Time goes marching on.
Many a soul has been lost and won.
Yet we remain.
Watching the ticking clock and the sifting sands of time.
Time goes marching on.
When our time comes, if we are remembered or not, will the love sown remain as time goes marching on?
- DTH
Day 2: Day of the Martyrs
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10 ESV)
Gathering of light.
Sacred assembly of love.
Age of war, hate, and strife.
The day of the martyrs has just begun.
Blood stained standing stones.
Anabaptists tears, angels song.
The day of the martyrs has just begun.
Ice cracks, foe falls.
Pilgrim saves.
To burning he must go.
Stands fast, dies slow, proclaims love for all to know.
The day of the martyrs has just begun.
- DTH
(Published in the anthology Poetic Velocity. This poem reflects on the powerful faith and love of many Christian martyrs. The main one is the story of Dirk Willems who was an Anabaptist Christian martyr. He was being hunted for his faith and he turned back to save his enemy when his enemy fell through some ice. Dirk was burnt at the stake for his faith despite his merciful gesture. He entered heaven with a clean conscience).
Day 3: Legions of Hope
Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thes 1:3 ESV)
We are the legions of hope.
We are his hands and feet.
We are the chosen.
Gifted by Grace,
Gifted to serve.
Called out of darkness,
Called to the light.
Voices in the wilderness,
His voice for the oppressed.
By His grace alone
We are the legions of hope.
- DTH
(This piece won a prize at allpoetry.com)
PodcastDay 4: Hope in Jesus
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55 ESV)
What happens when I die?
The voice of angels that do not cry.
Ladder to heaven.
Death has won?
Nay, Life has won.
Death: where is her sting, where is her victory?
No shame in dying, no shame in living.
Crushed to earth, but rising again.
In Christ alone my hope is found.
What happens when you die?
The voice of angels that do not cry?
- DTH
Day 5: Love Wins!
...God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. (1 John 4:8b,9 ESV)
Love will win in the end, dear friends.
Love will win.
There are whispers of a word.
Amidst the chaos and confusion of a dark and angry world, it echoes through the mist.
My heart heard this misunderstood little word.
It heard and was blessed.
The word love caused my heart to skip a beat and my soul to become merry.
Could it be that even in mans darkest hours, love still lives?
Indeed it lives and breaths all things pure.
But what is the meaning of such a word?
Could it be the joy of babes playing a merry little din?
Is it the splendour of a spring morning?
Or the beauty of a maidens face basked in sunlight?
Or perhaps its just a word we use in season to gain something in return?
Maybe its just a word the poets like to write?
Nay, it is more.
Surely true love is self-sacrifice.
Its the laying down of ones life for a friend.
Even an enemy.
Its the will to bless those who curse us
To love our haters
To forgive our debtors as Jesus forgives his.
Love is not some superficial myth, but a dream of things better.
It was love that allowed Gods own Son to give himself into mans angry hands.
It was love that sent him beyond this realm to prepare a peaceful place for us.
Our Promised Land, our Paradise.
Yes, behold, it is love that is the greatest thing!
- DTH
(This poem won a prize at allpoetry.com)
Day 6: The Pig of No Compassion
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matt 25:40 ESV)
Would we rather love winning?
Or the pig of a loveless comfort zone?
Would we rather a man be provided for?
Or the pig of no compassion?
Would we rather a man be clothed?
Or the pig of humiliation?
Would we rather a man be housed?
Or the pig of homelessness?
Would we rather a man be healed?
Or the pig of demonic legions?
Would we rather God's kingdom advancing?
Or the pig of the world, the flesh and the devil?
We want love, provision, clothing, a home, His kingdom!
Let's treat others as we would like to be treated.
Whatsoever we do to the least of these brothers we do unto Jesus.
Therefore, let's choose compassion, not the pigs.
- DTH
(Influenced by the story of The Rich Man and Lazurus).
Day 7: Questions
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV)
Why are we here?
Why do the nations rage?
Why do the wicked prosper?
Where do wars come from?
Who am I Lord?
What must I do to be saved?
Revival, how long Lord?
In all our questions you have the answers.
Help us to keep asking questions.
Help us to listen.
Help us to be still and know that you are God.
- DTH
PodcastDay 8: From the Heart
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26 NIV)
Life is a mix of emotions in the many matters of the heart:
FROM THE HEART
Sorrow at the loss of a friend,
Joy at the marriage feast of the Lamb.
FROM THE HEART
Fear and anger at gunmen on beach,
Heart beating for a better world.
FROM THE HEART
Recognition of my own imperfections,
Hope and celebration at our anniversary.
FROM THE HEART
O HEART, BREAK FOR HATE AND IMPERFECTION
O HEART, BEAT FOR LOVE, JOY, PEACE AND JUSTICE.
- DTH
(Written a number of years ago as I reflected on both the state of the world and personal life).
My Story
Day 9: Autumn Leaves
While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease. (Genesis 8:22 NASB)
The time when the winds blow.
I lift up my colar to shield from the wind.
It is cold, but the colours are perfectly beautiful.
I shuffle through the leaves.
It reminds me of childhood, holding mum's hand as I kick up leaves, wearing my welly boots and duffle coat.
I always loved this time of year.
I'm thankful to God for this time of year.
The time when the winds blow.
- DTH
My StoryDay 10: Celtic Cross
On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of Lords. (Rev 19:16 ESV)
Tall, dark, towering, decorated with curves and angles.
Sign of the people, the passion, and the place.
The circle of life and resurrection.
Hands once held there, feet once nailed.
The inscription King of the Jews The reality King of all kings.
The King of the Celts died here.
Slain to reconcile man to God.
Art and heritage combine.
The story unfolds as it is retold.
God of our fathers bless us.
Bless us in the shadow of thy cross.
- DTH
Day 11: Finders Keepers
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Matt 7:7 ESV)
I seek you.
I long for you.
I seek with all my heart.
In this world of sin,
We need a saviour.
'Seek and ye shall find.'
So, I seek, I hunt, I yearn.
I sought you, you whom my soul loves.
I found you... You found me.
In sackcloth and ashes I am found.
You call me son, though I say servant.
So I arise.
You embrace me, 'Abba!'
Thankyou for loving me as I am, not just as I should be.
Thankyou for finding me, for keeping me.
- DTH
Day 12: The Light Has Come (a poem)
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 NIV)
Offer pigeon not lamb.
Not the wealthiest in the land.
Not the most religious plan:
'Hush now Mary, no one need know'
A righteous deed,
A righteous love.
'But, I am innocent my love.'
'I know, I know.
A silent divorce to save your soul.
To save you from the masses and the legalists.
From violent men and cruel hearts.'
Then he hears the Lord's voice.
'I have no other choice.
To obey I'm urged,
To obey I must.'
Protects all the more.
To the little town.
No donkey travel, a paupers birth in a stable.
Not so silent night, birth pangs, Animal noises,
Starlight to daylight.
Light, light, the light has come!
Offer pigeon not lamb?
Not the wealthiest in the land.
Not the most religious plan:
Not temple dwellers.
Shepherds come to see the new Shepherd born.
Could they even read?
They worked the Sabbath!
Worked with animals!
Unclean, Unclean!
Not so silent night, birth pangs, Animal noises,
Starlight to daylight.
Light, light, the light has come!
Offer up the lamb?
Wealthiest of other lands.
Not the most religious plan:
Maggi.
Foreigners from afar.
Wealthy gifts for a King.
Access to Herods court.
Not the powerless sort.
They had everything yet were seeking Him.
Wise men indeed.
Hearts seeking Jesus
Not so silent night, birth pangs, Animal noises,
Starlight to daylight.
Light, light, the light has come!
Offer up the lamb.
Most religious of the land.
A very religious plan:
Teachers of the law.
Knew the book word for word.
Could quote where he was to be born.
But did they seek Him out?
Did they practice or just know the word?
Knowledge without living it out.
Not so silent night, birth pangs, Animal noises,
Starlight to daylight.
Light, light, the light has come!
Offer up the 'wee lambs'.
Most barbaric of the land.
An evil, sinister, heartless plan:
Herod the great?
No, Herod the fearful.
Scared of what he would have to give up.
His precious crown.
Threatened by a meek baby.
Nurse Rachel weeps!
But, still Herod fails.
Not so silent night, birth pangs, Animal noises,
Starlight to daylight.
Light, light, the light has come!
Light, light, the light has come!
Light, light, the light has come!
- DTH
Day 13: The Sunrise Is Coming (a reflection)
Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79 ESV)
When I look at this world I feel a deep pain.
A burden in my soul.
This overwhelming sadness threatens to engulf me, to crush me with waves of despair.
Who can I trust but you?
Our Western civilization has fallen foul to false idols.
Community is replaced by screen's of various sizes.
Friendship is reduced to a virtual status.
Yet in You I find community.
In you I find friendship.
The wife you provided, the baby on the way.
The love of this world is enmity with you.
The world's love blows hot and cold.
A politics of hate, a muffled church, neighbourhoods of fear and pain -
Broken, All Broken!
But, Your light still shines.
Pockets of hope, sparkles in the night.
The Sunrise is coming!
- DTH
(Written a number of years ago, but still with some relevance).
Day 14: It is Finished (a poem)
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30 NIV)
Finished
Bloody Palms
Bloody Crown
Bloody Ground
Bloody Nails
Radiant Light
Third Day Rising
Finished, but Just Begun
- DTH
(This poem received an award at allpoetry.com)
Day 15: Remember when life wasn't a series of screens? (a poem) —
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. (1 John 2:16 NIV)
Remember when life wasn't a series of screens?
'I' meant 'me' as in 'I am human' not machine.
Smart wasn't a phone it was our Sunday best.
Is this another rant? Well then, you know the rest...
Heads didn't hang low unless we were being told...and even then...
We looked up at the clouds and imagined shapes.
Saw the autumn leaves and snowflakes, all so majestic, no mistake.
Saw the Robins in the bushes and thought of Christmas.
Waited to see bluebell walks and spring unleashed.
Spent time outdoors at the beach.
We tried to look people in the eye as we spoke unmuffled by this digital joke.
Screen time or no time hadn't tried to replace family time or even 'quiet time' and 'rest time.'
Brains switched off, not to reboot but to refresh. Down time wasn't interrupted by digital guests. Breathe in the air, take a walk, be blessed.
Remember when life wasn't a series of screens?
Because that scene wasn't even that long ago!
If you a reading this on a screen. Excuse my irony. Switch off, be free. Addiction is the enemy of your liberty.n
- DTH
My StoryDay 16: Be Still (a story)
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)
Once there was an old man who took his grandson a walk in the countryside. The old man's face was creased with wrinkles. Like the rings inside an ancient log tree, each signified age and wisdom. The man, to the boys surprise stopped suddenly. He was calm, so calm the boy didn't feel it right to interrupt this moment of solititude. 'Listen', the old man said. The boy listened. At first he could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts. 'Truly listen', the man said sensing the boys difficulty. So he tried again. He closed his eyes, took a breath and opened them again. 'I hear it', he whispered. They both fell silent again and listened to the gentle winds and the birds in the trees, and further a field the beautiful sound of a babbling brook. Then they listened to silence itself. 'This my child is real worship.' 'To Jesus?' 'To Jesus.'
- DTH
Day 17: Passover (a poem/prayer)
"Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matt 26:26-28 ESV) Passover comes - Calvary is near. You are anointed in love. Prepared for burial - You know what is to come. Prophet, Priest, King Anointed for a purpose. 'Seek first the kingdom', you say to rich and poor. In this work you find satisfaction. Teach us to do what we can for you, with the oil of love. A broken jar, a broken saviour. You are sold for less. Your servants are ridiculed. Yet Lord, third day rising. You are our victory! Let freedom reign.
Day 18: The Heart of the Matter (a poem/prayer)
"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb ofGod who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) The Heart of the Matter: Infinite human depravity and sin. Infinite love and grace. Without Him all is lost. The heart of the problem is the problem of man's hearts. 'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!' says the preacher. In a world of cruelty and vanity a saviour came. Triumphant war Lord? Nay, a lamb. Our weakness, he identifies. Our suffering, he identifies. The ultimate price buys our liberty: Join Me! Follow Me! Take up your cross! Liberty is ours! Darkness and light collide. Flesh and blood is spilled. Principalities and powers beware. The light has come. Let thy light shine oh God!
My StoryDay 19: Victory (a poem)
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." (1 John 5:4)
Father, true and merciful
Thank you for saving a prodigal.
Your heart of love shines through
You give life fresh and new.
In hope, I thirst for more
Christ is the only victory in this war.
The tempter comes knocking
How can one as I stop falling?
Only by you my rock and shield
In your palms my destiny is sealed.
Hallelujah my king
My heart shall ever sing.
Glory and honour to your name
Your Salvation is my claim.
Amen.
Day 20: Manna —
"And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. " (Deut 8:3)
My life and soul were parched.
In a proverbial land of hunger and thirst, despair seemed inevitable.
I cried to you like many times before.
You, Lord are faithful.
Like Moses striking the rock my thirst was quenched.
Like Manna from heaven my hunger was satisfied.
You are faithful from generation to generation.
Blessed be your name.
Amen.
Day 21: This Is The End
" He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide disputes for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." (Micah 4:3)
Lay down together, friends.
Roar lion, roar!
Silent lamb to slaughter.
A child will lead them.
Lay down together, friends.
Speak and nations bow.
Swords to ploughs.
The harvest is plenty.
Lay down together, friends.
Prince of peace.
Hallelujah, angels sing.
Saints awake.
Lay down together, friends.
Lay down on holy ground.
Lay down your weapons.
Lay down your burdens.
Lay down together, friends.
This is the end.
Day 22: New World
He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. (Is 25:8) ¶ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (Rev 21:4)
I once had a dream of a new world.
I saw a city of crystals, pearls and gold, full of light, guarded by angels of old.
There was no night
The city was bright.
A river of pure love flowed through.
There was no death for me and you.
No dying, no crying, no sinning.
A place of no pain or sorrow.
It is the world of tomorrow.
Day 23: They Lie
"Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words." (Ps 64:3)
They send us off to die.
Blood and tears we cry.
In the heat of battle we live.
Our sweat and life we give.
Bang beats the drum.
A war never won.
Vanity and pride.
The leaders hide.
Why should this be?
Indeed the name of the free?
No, not in my name.
This is not a game.
They send us off to die, we shall not go!
For they lie!
Day 24: To The Ground
“And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?” (Luke 7:49)
He falls to the ground.
Hands over his eyes, he weeps bitter tears of great pain.
How had things come to this?
Wiping the blood and tears from his face, he does something he hasn't done for a long time, he prays.
With his rifle finally laid to rest, the young soldier looks to the heavens and then across a field of corpses.
Among the dead he sees a child he killed in the heat of battle.
The soldiers words echo in the valley of death, God forgive us.
Forgive us all, sweet Jesus, forgive us.
To the ground the soldier falls.
OH HEY, FOR BEST VIEWING, YOU'LL NEED TO TURN YOUR PHONE