BE STILL
If someone asked Australian blogger, Norme, what he did today, he might be speaking truthfully if he said “Nothing.” You see, in 2024, he set a world record by standing motionless for 38 hours. Onlookers taunted him, women kissed him, and someone even spray-painted his clothing, attempting to distract him. But he ignored them. He was busy doing nothing. (Source: recordholders.org)
Many of us are obsessed with busy-ness. Remaining still can be agonizing. We keep our phones in our pockets, just in case we’re stuck in line somewhere. But as we rush through life, we often miss out on deeply experiencing God’s presence, which requires stillness and silence.
Pause and spend time reflecting on each word of Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Here are some ideas for starters:
BE- Just be. Remember the old adage, “We’re not human doings, we’re human beings.”
STILL- Only in stillness and silence can we can hear God’s voice. In 1 Kings 19:12, God spoke to Elijah, not in a wind, fire, or earthquake; but in “a still small voice.”
AND- This tells us there’s more coming
KNOW- We have confidence and certainty because we know and experience God’s nature and character.
THAT- An immutable truth is about to follow.
I AM- This is God’s name (Exodus 3:14). God is the ever-existing one—unlimited by time or space. He simply is. Yahweh is not the Great “I was “or “I will be.” We remain anchored to Him in present reality.
GOD- The one-and-only God who created the universe is more than able to meet our needs. We can rely on Him.
Busy-ness doesn’t satisfy our deepest longing. When we slow down and calm our hearts in the stillness of God’s presence, he fills us with his peace, power, presence, and purpose. Nothing else compares.
Ponder:
What’s the best time for you each day to slow down and just be with God in silence and solitude?
What distracts you most from doing this?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, sit quietly and meditate on each word of Psalm 46:10.
Lord God, slow me down as I rush through my days. Help me to be still and know that you are God.
(Photo courtesy of Colin Horn)