Benefits of Silence and Stillness in Coming to God

Sermon

Congregation Overview

Trinity United Methodist Church, located in Savannah, Georgia, is celebrated for its dedication to inclusivity and diversity. Established in 1812, it has grown from a modest congregation to a vibrant community that warmly embraces members from all walks of life. As of 1993, Trinity became an LGBTQ-affirming church, a significant step in its approach to inclusivity. Under the leadership of Pastor Ben Godsen, the church has maintained its commitment to inclusivity, even amidst challenges such as COVID-19, ensuring a welcoming online and in-person environment for worship and fellowship.

Sermon Rationale

This sermon, "Finding Beauty in the Pause," is tailored to address the congregation's diverse makeup and its commitment to inclusivity. It aims to provide comfort and inspiration by highlighting God's presence and guidance during times of uncertainty and challenge, using personal testimony and biblical references to emphasize the importance of faith, resilience, and community support. It specifically addresses the congregation's inclusive ethos by reinforcing the message that God's love and grace extend to all, regardless of their journeys or identities.

Sermon Text: "Finding Beauty in the Pause"

In the heart of winter 2010, life pressed a pause button on me, a pause neither sought nor welcomed. It came disguised as a mysterious illness that drained my very essence, leaving me confined to a hospital bed amidst the haunting silence of uncertainty. This was no mere interlude; it was a profound cessation where the melodies of my life seemed to fade into silence. The joy of music and dance, which had been so important to me—a source of happiness for many years—even the vibrancy of everyday moments—it all suddenly felt distant as I faced an unexpected adversary: a diagnosis of HIV progressing to AIDS, a battle not only against a physical ailment but against the very despair so often associated with that disease.[footnoteRef:1] [1: The theological strategy behind this sermon is to demonstrate how personal experiences of pause and uncertainty can lead to profound spiritual growth and transformation, mirroring biblical narratives where moments of stillness and challenge precede divine revelation and mission]

Yet, in this pressing silence, something happened: a transformation began. It was in the gentle presence of a physician, whose compassionate inquiry broke the silence, that the weight of my situation truly dawned on me. This encounter was my burning bush moment, a divine nudge toward a path less traveled by courage and faith.[footnoteRef:2] As I grappled with this revelation, the solitude of my hospital room became a sanctuary for reflection. The visit from a chaplain, though sparse in conversation, was rich in unspoken understanding, guiding me toward the sacred scriptures that spoke directly to my heart: Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God," and Exodus 14:14, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." [2: Just as Moses, in his solitude in the wilderness, received a divine mission that would forever change his path (Exodus 3:10), my encounter with a compassionate physician who revealed my diagnosis became my burning bush moment. It was a call to face my vulnerabilities and to lean not on my understanding but on God's unwavering support. It was a time when, like Abraham who heard God's call to embark on an unknown path, I found myself at a crossroads, forced to choose between despair and faith in God's plan (Genesis 12:1-3)??.]

These words were not mere text; they were lifelines pulling me towards an epiphany. The divine invitation to embrace stillness transformed my understanding of my plight. No longer was I alone in this fight; I was accompanied by a might far greater than any adversary I faced. This stillness wasn't a void but a space brimming with the presence of the Almighty, urging me to witness His magnificence amid chaos. It was a call to live, not just exist, to see the battle not as mine alone but as one where victory was assured by divine intervention.

The beauty in the pause was not just in the cessation of life's hustle but in the profound clarity and transformation it brought. The enforced solitude became a canvas for rediscovery, painting my life with strokes of gratitude, resilience, and an unwavering faith. In the quiet moments of prayer and reflection, I found not only solace but strength, a renewal of spirit that deepened my bonds with loved ones, and an appreciation for the simplest blessings that life offers. This pause was a gift, an opportunity to recalibrate, to find beauty in the stillness, and to emerge not just healed but transformed.

Let us carry the lessons of stillness in our hearts, embracing the pauses life offers us as opportunities to connect more deeply with the Divine. May we remember that in every moment of silence, God is speaking, guiding, and fighting for us. Let us hold fast to the promise that we are never alone, that in the stillness, there is beauty, transformation, and an ever-present God who calls us to know Him and find peace in His embrace.

Dear beloved in Christ, today I stand before you to share a message of hope, resilience, and divine presence. In the stillness of a hospital room, I found God. This was a moment of transformation, much like Gideon's encounter with the angel of the Lord, where a seemingly ordinary moment turned into a call to greatness (Judges 6:12)??.[footnoteRef:3] [3: By drawing parallels between the sermon narrative and biblical stories of Abraham, Moses, and Gideon, the sermon emphasizes the universal nature of God's call to faith and resilience.]

Just as Karl Barth saw the Bible as a door to a new world, the world of God, where divine actions redefine our understanding of existence, urging us to embrace a faith that transcends our limitations??, I saw a new hope.[footnoteRef:4] [4: The use of Karl Barth's perspective on the Bible as a door to the world of God underlines the sermon's message that true understanding and spiritual growth come from embracing the divine will, even in times of pause and uncertainty]

In the quietude of my recovery, I realized, like the early Christians, that my affliction was not just a trial but an opportunity to witness the manifestation of God's kingdom in my life, to see my struggles through the lens of God's eternal love and purpose (John 11:25-26)??.

So, I invite you, dear friends, to find beauty in your pauses, to see them not as interruptions but as divine invitations to deeper faith and closer communion with God. Let us remember that in our stillness, God is still moving, transforming our lives and writing our stories with threads of grace and redemption.[footnoteRef:5] [5: The sermon aims to resonate with the congregation's diverse members by highlighting inclusivity and acceptance as central to experiencing God's love and grace, aligning with Trinity United Methodist Church's commitment to welcoming all individuals.]

Annotations

Opening Narrative: The sermon begins with a recounting of the author's health crisis in winter 2010, setting the stage for a story of unexpected interruption. This narrative approach is aimed at engaging listeners through shared human experiences of suffering and uncertainty. It was also inspired by Sugirtharajah’s Postcolonial Reconfigurations, especially this line: “The task 1 of postcolonialism is to ensure that the yearnings of the poor take I precedence over the interests of the affluent” (p. 33). It is about listening to others—and that requires stillness and silence.

Scriptural Anchors: The choice to anchor the sermon in specific scriptures provides a biblical basis for the theme of finding peace and purpose in stillness and reliance on God.

Theological Themes: The sermon weaves in theological themes of divine presence, the power of faith, and the sanctity of stillness. The emphasis on stillness as a space for encountering God introduces a contemplative dimension.

Narrative of Transformation: The transition from despair to hope and renewed faith is a central development in the sermon, illustrating a theological understanding of suffering as a conduit for grace and personal growth. This narrative arc is designed to inspire the audience, suggesting that their struggles, too, can lead to deeper faith and understanding.

Appeals to Tradition and Reason: The sermon subtly incorporates appeals to Christian tradition and reason. The mention of Karl Barth and his view of the Bible as a doorway to the divine realm serves to align the sermon's message with a respected theological perspective, enhancing its credibility. Moreover, by rationalizing the process of finding beauty in suffering and solitude, the sermon engages the intellect of the audience, inviting them to see the logical coherence of faith in the face of adversity.

I also used the work of Michael Graves who invites us to appreciate the early Christian engagement with Scripture, which serves as a foundational guide for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. This ancient perspective resonates with the sermon's theme of finding beauty in life's pauses, highlighting the continuous relevance and transformative power of Scripture in navigating the challenges and uncertainties of life.

Feedback Summary

1. Young Adult, Female, Hispanic Background: This congregant appreciated the sermon's message of finding peace and purpose in moments of pause, noting its relevance to the challenges faced by many in her age group, particularly around uncertainty and seeking direction in life. She suggested incorporating more contemporary examples and digital platforms for follow-up discussions or study groups to further explore the themes within a community setting.

2. Middle-aged, Male, African American: He found the scriptural references and the personal testimony powerful and uplifting. However, he expressed a desire for more concrete steps on how to practically implement periods of stillness in daily life, especially for those struggling with busyness and stress. He recommended workshops or small group sessions focused on practical spirituality and mindfulness as a way to deepen the congregation's engagement with the sermon's themes.