Being Still

Many of us have recited Psalm 46:10 dozens of times: “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

I recently read something that challenges the status quo of busyness, “Stillness is being free from the busyness that can betray your trust in God.” I don’t know about you, but that hits me right between the eyes. “How did I allow myself to become so busy that my mind wanders from the purposeful and eternal?” 

Work busyness is one key element of our day to day. We are called to provide and care for our family; work is a biblical mandate. (1 Timothy 5:8). However, being busy on the job is different. 

Habitual busyness can enslave us in a race for more, which is also reflective of our culture. The desire for more, the push for “becoming like the Joneses,” can adversely impact our physical health, our marriage relationships, and most importantly our spiritual health, because we run out of time for what really matters…our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Being still is not stagnation or inactivity. Rather it is to rest and reflect on the goodness, love, and provision of a God Who so cares for us. Being still means to invest in our eternity. We will always face seasons of busyness; however, stillness needs to be a constant.

Busyness can lead to frustration and fatigue. Stillness can lead us to green pastures and peace. 

Stillness is not simply meditation techniques. We empty ourselves in stillness and silence so we can be filled with knowing God more. Here we learn to love and trust Him, and He ordains and directs our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

When we choose stillness, we are saying, “God grow bigger in me, and let everything else become smaller.” We decrease, so He can increase. (John 3:30)

Often busyness is considered a badge of honor in our culture. We become busy so we can chase bigger dreams, larger homes, high-tech cars and more “stuff.” We have come to believe that busyness provides a better life.

But busyness does not always equate with productivity. Learning to be still allows our spirits to settle as we learn to live in contentment in (not for) all the circumstances we face in our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

In stillness, we learn to be more contemplative and thankful for what we already have. Stillness can bring rest from weariness and a “go, go, go” mindset.

Stillness is refreshing to our soul and spirit. God delights to pour out refreshing, and living waters over us, as we contemplate His glory and splendor.

Stillness is the fruit of a disciplined heart, and a place where revelation and impartation from God are experienced.

In stillness, God can reveal to us new strategies for the battles we will face. When David faced the Philistines or other enemy nations, he made it a practice to inquire of the Lord if he should pursue the enemy. Only when confirmation came, did he act. This was his strategy for victory. We too must pause and ask God what strategy He wants us to employ as we face our struggles and battles in this life.

There is no striving in stillness. We do not help God by getting busy, and trying to make things happen. Stillness is tuning into the frequency of heaven. It allows us to recalibrate our perspective until it becomes a God-perspective, and we hear His voice knowing what He desires us to experience His abundant life.

“So be still my soul. Rest in God and enjoy the fruit of a life aligned with His person, His plans, and His purposes for my life.”

Will you make that your prayer today?

Davide Colletta

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Davide is the Senior Leader
at Mission Community Church