Be still and know that I am God.
PSALM 46:10
When you ask someone how they are, a common response you may get is “busy.” We live in a world where we are constantly on the go. We always have something to do or somewhere to be. Checking off the next thing on our to-do list in our personal life or work deadlines- our minds are always running. That’s why being intentional about pausing and being still to simply sit in the presence of God can be instrumental and life changing.
Being still means to let go. Let go of the fear, let go of your worries, let go of living for the world and start to live in light of eternity. Be still and know that He is God- that He is in control of all things. Know that He will help you fight your battles. Be still and know that He is in the fire with you. Being still allows you to pause and remember God’s promises. It allows you to leave all your burdens at His feet and feel His peace. As busy as life gets, sometimes we forget how good our God is. How much He is for us.
How To Be Still
Spend time in nature
Even amongst the busyness and the fast-paced lives we live, if we pause, we can see stillness all around us. We see stillness in the calm waters in the evenings. We see stillness in the tress, planted in the ground, with strong roots moving deeper within the earth. Experience stillness by being surrounded in nature. You might find that you connect best with God through and in nature. Praise God for His creations. Turn your focus on Him and let all your other worries and fears become smaller in comparison to God’s glory.
Create space to hear God
Sometimes we get caught up in giving God our list of requests and don’t leave room for Him to speak to us. Pause and be still to listen and let God speak to you. This can be hard, but intentionality and minimal distractions are pivotal to hearing God. Be intentional by making time to hear God. Set some time during your quiet routine to create space to hear God. Minimize your distractions by creating a list of all that’s on your mind. Simply jot down your thoughts running through your mind in that moment and empty it onto paper. Now with designated time and a clear mind, simply ask God to speak to you, be still and listen.
Our relationship with God strengthens as we practice stillness. As we set time to focus on Him, we recognize His glory, His magnitude and His presence. Stillness allows us to feel peace- and not worldly peace but God’s peace. Peace that passes all understanding, even through the valleys and chaos of life. Stillness allows you to spend time with God and see His goodness, even through your circumstances. Practice stillness to let go of control and let God take the wheel.
