It seems no matter which outdoor sport you choose, it involves stillness. Whether you are sitting in a tree stand, luring in a gobbler, or wetting a line, the antsy outdoorsman is the one who goes home hungry. On the other hand, the successful one is more than likely the one who has learned to be still. Have you ever noticed how sensitive to our surroundings we are when we are still? Not inactive, but patiently and expectantly still. The lightest tug of that largemouth is transferred throughout the whole body. The slightest movement in the woods seems like a rude interruption. And the faintest sound is as loud as an alarm clock; all because we have chosen to be still. Stillness is not natural. We come from the womb kicking and screaming. Our childhood is made up of one activity after another. I can still remember my first trip to the barber and how hard it was to be still. We spend our school days squirming around like a puppy hoping that our teacher doesn't see our activity and tell us to be still. No, stillness is not natural but it is necessary. It is necessary in every area of our lives, including our spiritual life.
Moses told the children of Israel as they came to the Red Sea, "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." He also told them, "Stand still that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you." And as God spoke to Elijah, the Bible says, "Then He said, 'Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces 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." It was in that "still small voice," the Lord was heard. It is the same way today.
That's what I like about hunting and fishing. They teach me what is unnatural - to be still. So, if I can be still at these activities, I can also be still long enough to hear the voice of God giving me direction and encouragement and wisdom for what lies ahead. If you are used to being still in the woods or on the water, you too are perfectly suited to hear whatever it is that God wants to say to you as well.

gary@outdoortruths.org ~ www.outdoortruths.org