“Be still, and know that I am God!”
– Psalm 46:10
That simple command often seems impossible these days, with all the tasks, demands, circumstances, technology, and relationships that pull us in so many directions. I find I have to fight to make time for God in my busy world. It’s so easy to let what seems urgent in the moment replace what’s most important—God!
Big things, little things—they all keep me from being still. My mind becomes clouded and my heart burdened when I focus my attention on what’s around me. How can I fit everything into my schedule, solve all my problems, and satisfy my desires?
It’s such a dilemma at times. I mean, we have to nurture relationships. We have to exercise. We have to take care of our homes and our vehicles. We have to do a lot of things, and hopefully, they’re things we want to do. But if we’re doing all that, how do we find time to be still and know that God is God?
I’ve been trying to find this balance for years. Being still doesn’t mean God always expects us to be physically still, however. That would be impossible. But He does call us to be spiritually, emotionally, and mentally still at all times. The truth is, we can be moving about yet remain still within. Here are some things that help me maintain stillness in an overcommitted society.
First of all, I found stillness by accepting Jesus’s invitation to come to Him. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Rest, or stillness, comes when we bring our concerns and commitments to Jesus.
If I lack a calm, still state in my spirit, then I am likely not drawing close to God. I must be intentional about this. I have to get up early, before my commitments begin, and spend time alone with Him. Then, as I go through my day, I reflect on His blessings. I thank Him, pray, and meditate on His Word. And sometimes, I sit silently and listen to what He has to say.
I enjoy finding creative ways to include God in my day. I sing praises in the shower. I talk to Him as I drive to work. I bring Him into my thoughts at work. Sometimes I grab fast food for dinner so I can spend the time I would’ve spent cooking, reading His Word instead. Sometimes I go for a walk, just so I can talk with God. He loves adventures as much as I do, and He points out beautiful things in His creation that I would’ve missed otherwise—things that remind me that He is God. Little moments like these add up, and God, in His grace, blesses my efforts.
When I quiet myself before Him, God refreshes my spirit, calms my heart and mind, and provides the answers I need. He promises to reveal wonderful things to those who will get still and draw close; to those who are eager to do His will.
I challenge you to ask God to search your heart and show you what’s on your mind or in your schedule that isn’t part of His best for your life (Psalm 139:23–24). Then follow His lead and trust Him. Let go of the things He shows you. As you change your life to include more of Him and less of the world, you will come to that place of stillness and quiet rest. You will get to know God in new and exciting ways.
