What Does It Mean To Be Still?
Many of us have the problem of not moving. Not taking that first step or the second or third.
However, others possess the opposite problem: We never quit moving. Our bodies, and especially our minds and spirit, remain in constant motion. Never allowing us time to process and sit in the presence of the Lord.
I tend to fall in that latter category.
A year ago, my hubby and I took a short trip several hours away. It was a trip with a purpose, but we managed to fit in some down time. We had several hours to just sit on the porch of our Bed and Breakfast watching a storm pass through. We walked along the dike and gazed over the water.
Spirit refreshing, it was a wonderful time of reconnecting, but also of just resting in God.
Given the command to rest on the Sabbath, it seems God doesn’t want us in perpetual motion.
This week my sister and I are visiting my parents in Arizona. It’s a relaxing trip, but being in gorgeous 70-plus degree temps, I find it difficult to be still. Sure I’m on vacation, but I don’t “sit still” well when the weather is perfect for “going” and “doing.”
I find it difficult to sit in His presence instead of doing something in His presence.
Yet at the same time, I’m finding myself staring in awe at the incredible scenery surrounding me. I’m worshiping and praising with each sighting, with each photo snapped, with each moment of laughter with my parents and sister. My senses are wide awake with the wonder of a God who is so loving to create such variety and beauty.
I wonder, isn’t that a bit of what God meant when He said, “Be still, and know that I am God”?
So what does it mean to be still? Is it sitting quietly, with no distractions (is that possible?)? Or might it be more about being aware, having heart and mind open?
God calls us to 'be still,' but 'being still' is more about being tuned in to God then it is about sitting quietly. Share on X
Somehow I think the awareness factor may be key. And with the difficulty I have sitting still, that gives me hope.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)
Reflection: Do you find it easy or difficult to be still before the Lord? What is your definition of being still?
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By His Grace,
Julie
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Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.
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Beautiful post Julie. Psalm 46:10 was written on the inside of my first Bible, and that verse has always offered me comfort in times of fear. I’m like you in that I am always moving around. I have a hard time sitting still, and I discovered that’s ok. I get tremendous peace from taking a walk, for example.
I’m with you on the walk, Brent. That’s one of my favorite forms of relaxation.
Hi Julie. Great post and great reminder that our hearts can be still even if we’re not! It made me think of caregivers, firefighters, doctors, police, etc.
Excellent examples, Marisa!
Being still. I find it easier to be a human doing than a human being.
Oh, me too, Mary! By far.