Be Still

Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).

This is a familiar verse but it is so hard to do. Being still means to be tranquil, silent, quiet and motionless, all that seems impossible.

 Our days are full of caring for children or other loved ones, demanding work, chatter and dialogue from multiple sources, and tasks that seem never ending. Traffic, constant distressing news and social media all add to the noise we hear. Then we add the mental to do list that runs in our head and the self-talk of anxiety or frustration or other emotions.

Wow, much competes for our time.

How do we pause from all the preoccupations and distractions? How do we have an absence of activity to allow for quiet listening to our creator? God knows our schedule and we can ask for divine help.

For me, being still and listening to God is a challenge. I can sometimes stop my constant activity, but slowing down my thoughts is like trying to wrangle a toddler. The hardest for me is to know how to quell the constant bombardment of a hundred thoughts a minute. I need God’s help and grace to enable me to be still. We forget, God desires to be with us.

God’s desire to be with us!

 I know that when I take time to pause intending to know God; I find peace and a new awareness of the holy. As a warm shower washes over a tired body, restoration happens when we bask in God’s presence. We can hear the soft voice of God and we feel Jesus’ tender touch. Being still and listening gives God space to recharge us, refocus us and encourage us. Being still allows time for the Holy Spirit to comfort us.

Several ways that help me include reflecting, praying, journaling, and mediating on Scripture or mediating on who God is. Walks in nature, or looking at the night sky, remind us of God’s awesomeness. The early morning or late night quiet are times God can speak to us.

Give God an opportunity to love you through being still.

“Restore us, LORD God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved (Psalm 80:19).

Prayer:

Lord,

You love me and want to be with me. I need your help to learn to slow down and be still. I need your grace. Calm my heart and mind so that I can learn of you. Come close, speaking to me of your love. Restore, renew, refocus and refresh me as I draw closer to you.

Amen

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