The Importance of Stillness and Solitude

I have used the recent theatrical release of the 3D version of Star Wars: A New Hope as an excuse to sit down and watch some of the other Star Wars movies on DVD as well.  

As a Christian, I am aware of the various new-age (non-Christian) themes prevalent throughout the series, such as an impersonal life-force, the telekinetic power of the human mind, telepathy, etc.  However, while watching Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, I couldn't help but notice a theme that aligns well with Biblical teaching, namely, the importance of seeking stillness and solitude prior to taking action.

For those who are not familiar with The Empire Strikes Back, a long segment of the film is concerned with the main character, Luke Skywalker, who takes a detour to different star system to find a teacher named, Yoda.  Yoda lives on an uninhabited planet as a hermit.  He reluctantly agrees to teach Luke about The Force.  When Luke first meets Yoda, he is an impatient, anxious, doubtful, fearful, and reckless young man.  Yet, repeatedly throughout Luke's training, he is told by Yoda to be patient, quiet, calm, and at peace.

The God of the Bible says the same: 

• "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
• "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." (Isaiah 32:17-17)
• "in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15)
• "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, [Jesus] went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." (Mark 1:35)
• "And [Jesus] arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:39)
• "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire, a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?" (I Kings 19:11-13)

The God of the Bible is not passive, but we hear His voice best when we are patient, quiet, calm, at peace.  We can attend to God's voice best when we are still in His presence.

Satan and his dark forces put so many distractions in front of us, so much noise, trying to drown out heavenly voices.  When the storm is raging about us, and we are beset with worries, doubts, and fears, when we feel that we must busy ourselves with action, we should follow the Biblical example by taking time to step away from the noise.  Our Lord is a God of peace.  That is where we must seek Him...in the stillness of our own hearts...in solitary places...closing ourselves into our own closets if we must (Matthew 6:5-7).  As long as we are busying ourselves with the worries of today, we miss out on the best that Christ has to offer.  (Luke 10:38-42)

We cannot know what we ought to do until we stop and take time to break away from the craziness of life and focus on listening to God's voice.