I had the beautiful privilege and joy of chatting with Holly Gricks, founder of Stillness Retreats. While Holly is based in Queensland with her husband and her adorable 10 month old boy, she has also run numerous South Australia events. Her heart for Stillness Retreats is simple and profound; she believes that God has a desire for relationship with each of us. When we are still, our hearts are open to worshipping Him, delighting in Him and receiving His love.
The stillness retreat is low-key focused on rest and time with God. There will be a beautiful shared home and dinner together, but the emphasis of the retreat is about getting into a still, quiet place and building your relationship with God than others. While we do read the Bible together, the emphasis is on hearing from God and delighting in Him in our own time, Holly shares. This is the perfect opportunity to slow down, be still and receive God’s love and grow in your relationship with Him.
To open the retreat, Holly often begins with a question to reflect upon, What are your desires? There is no requirement to share: Holly reflects on a season she was deeply processing and wasn’t in a space she felt she wanted to share… in the quiet place, this took away pressures from everyone else. It was more about having deep moments with God.
I hope you’re able to join them this year, and if you’re not able to make it this year, keep an eye out for future stillness retreats!
Why do YOU need a stillness retreat? Here are 3 reasons you need to escape with God into silence and stillness…
To delight in God and unravel the desire of your heart
Imagine: You are sitting down with your heavenly Father, without distractions, without noise, without your phone, without the chaos of life pressing in. You are entering His presence, settling into the silence and stillness, easing out the desire for a constant ‘more’. Opening your heart to Him, you are delighting in Him and worshipping Him. You are doing what you are created to do, worship God and receive His love.
In stillness before God, we realise our desire is actually to know Him and be loved by Him, and to share His love with others. God has created us to be in relationship with Him. The Father delights when we come to Him with everything, and when we ask for His help, He hears our plea. We are created to worship Him and to delight in Him. There is joy and peace in entering the still place and in surrendering our hearts to Him.
But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Matthew 6:6-7
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
To grow in your relationship with God and hear from Him
God’s word instructs us to be still and to wait on him.
‘Be Still and know that I am God’.
Psalm 46:10
Stillness opens our souls to worship Him and to receive from Him. And just as any relationship needs time and effort, so does our relationship with God (James 4:8). To grow in our relationship with God, it is helpful to learn techniques and practices to integral stillness into your everyday life, and embracing stillness on a retreat is the perfect place to grow.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:67
Growth often requires some form of dying to self, or of discomfort. Stillness gives way to your desires as we put aside distractions and draw near to God.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light
Matthew 11:28-30
To rest and be still
God invites those who are weary to come to Him for rest, and a retreat provides this much needed rest (Matthew 11.28).
In the background, I hear a voice – ‘Silence is intimidating’: Yes. It is. In stillness and solitude, we come face to face with our desires. And if we acknowledge our need for God, we begin realising we are created to worship Him and that He alone is our strength.
Today’s culture is quick to present to each other. We’re quick to share feelings. But what if we first escaped into a quiet, still place with the Lord and shared these things with Him and asked Him what He thought?
An invitation to join a stillness retreat in Moffat Beach, Sunshine Coast on 2 -4th August, 2024:
Who
This retreat is designed for women seeking stillness, encouragement, and a deeper connection with God.
Matthew 11: 28-30 says, ‘Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light’
If you are weary and in need of rest and nourishment, this invitation is for you.
Where
The retreat is located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, where you can experience God’s creation. Our chosen Airbnb accommodation ensures comfort throughout your stay. Upon registration, you will receive detailed information on the location and travel arrangements.
Cost
Your retreat package covers all expenses, including food, resources, and accommodation. The cost is $681.
For more information and to register, click here!
Thank you to the beautiful Holly for following God’s call and putting together such beautiful retreats. I hope you’ll be encouraged as you step into stillness and seek God (keep an eye out for future events, too!).
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Lacking Clarity? Here are 5 Ways to Clear Your Mind.
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Delighting in God, an Antidote to Controlling my Simple Life
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