Be Still and Know He is God

Silence is a lost art.

Isaiah 30:15 says, “In quiet and trust will be your strength.”

Jesus often had to find solitude, and, as we follow him, we have to try to find those quiet places as well. Many people crowd noise into their lives, but maturity seeks solitude, so we can hear God whisper things he wants us to know.

The world will always be spinning at breakneck speeds. But, that doesn’t mean we have to spin with it. As Romans 12:2 says:

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Though some people have put down deep roots in this world, it is not our home. The chaos, noise and distraction of this earth is not our natural state. We’re just here for a time, and God wants to renew our minds, and does this as we reflect on his Word. Let’s look at three ways of being quiet and still before God:

Reflection: Psalms 46:10

Thinking about God’s word can bring us into God’s presence no matter how wild the waves get, or how loud the wind howls. For those moments, we can rest safely at the foot of the cross. We can take shelter in the shadow of the almighty. We can experience a calm because it is the Savior who rules the earth.

God can touch those deep places in us. We can nestle our sleepy heads into his neck as he carries us to bed. We can trust him, because whatever we need, God can provide. He is Jehovah Jireh. His resources never run out.

As the world keeps turning and life bustles around us, we can learn to “Be still and know that He is God,” as Psalms 46:10 says.

Refreshment: Acts 3:19-20

We can seek quiet that will bring us rest. Then as we’re refreshed, we’ll have something to offer others as we notice the weariness settle in their eyes.

We’ll find our rest comes in Him and not in the things all around us that beg for our attention. God gives us grace for the day – when tomorrow comes, He’ll provide another portion of grace.

If we unplug from the world, quiet our hearts, and listen to God’s Holy Spirit, we will be able to be content where we are. Let us ask him for refreshment today, in his presence.

Acts 3:19-20 says, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus…”

Listening: 1 Peter 5:6-7

God’s Holy Spirit can speak to our hearts, giving us the encouragement to pass on. We can be channels God uses. How wonderful to know we can access God whenever we need. We will never hear, “Not now, I’m busy.”

We will not be put on hold.

We will not be bumped for another more important call.

1 Peter 5:6-7 says: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”  This means the things we care about, God cares about.

As we consider resting in quiet, reflection and listening, use the following poem as a prayer, asking God for grace to “be still and know that he is God”.

Sit Awhile

Lord, can I sit on your lap?

for I am very scared

Fears are looming large to me

and I am unprepared.

Just let me sit there safely

and feel your arms around

And when I’m feeling stronger

I promise I’ll get down.

I hear Him answer tenderly,

while opening His arms to me

And on His face I see a smile

as He says, Come and sit a while.

Read an earlier post by Anne here.