Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10
As residents of a noise-saturated world, you and I are accustomed to the relentless clamor of mental and visual overload. Unless we have intentionally guarded against it, our exposure to media and digital devices have made us experts in triaging information, while having less endurance for deep, uninterrupted thought. In a nutshell, we are drowning in data while well established in rapid mental sound bites.
The same is often true with the overcrowded schedules we keep and the resulting busyness we succumb to. The world, and everything in it, is vying for our time and attention.
More than ever, we need to take a breath and be still before God—and not in an abbreviated, passive manner. We need a solitary space—phones down, away from screens. And, even then, stillness can be elusive. Quieting the outward noise is only the beginning as we wrestle the reins of our racing, scattered thoughts.
It’s not easy. But that’s precisely why it’s so important. God’s presence is where our souls find rest, our burdens become His and our hearts are refreshed. Once we have turned down the volume of both outer and inner distractions and positioned ourselves in a place of surrendered trust before God, we make room for genuine communion with Him. In this stillness, we are able to acknowledge His sovereignty, listen to His voice and receive the inexplicable peace only He can give.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
I’ll share an acrostic for STILL that I hope will help as we usher in God’s presence…
Be Silent - words are not necessary as we focus thoughts on God
Be Trusting - acknowledge that God is in control
Be Intentional - fully present in thought
Be Lowly - fully surrendered to God
Be Listening - attentive to God’s presence and prompting