Learning To Be Still

Finding Peace in God's Presence: Learning to Be Still

In our fast-paced world of constant motion and instant gratification, learning to be still before God can feel nearly impossible. Yet this spiritual discipline is crucial for experiencing God's presence and understanding His will for our lives.
What Does It Mean to "Be Still" Before God?

Being still isn't just about physical stillness - it's about quieting our minds, emotions, and own agenda to focus solely on God. It means stopping our constant doing and planning to simply be in His presence. This can be especially challenging for those who struggle with conditions like ADHD or anxiety that make stillness difficult.

Why Do We Struggle to Be Still?

Several common barriers keep us from experiencing stillness with God:

Our culture of instant gratification
Overwhelming emotions and feelings
Constant activity and busyness
Wrestling with God like Jacob did
Letting our sins keep us from approaching God

How Do We Know God in Stillness?

True knowledge of God comes through:

Reading and studying His Word
Regular prayer and devotional time
Remembering His character and attributes
Understanding His holiness
Recognizing His presence with us as "Emmanuel" (God with us)

What Happens When We Learn to Be Still?

When we practice being still before God:

We gain clarity about His will
Our emotions align with truth rather than feelings
We find refuge in Him during difficulties
His presence becomes more real to us
We better reflect His character to others

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to set aside dedicated time each day to "be still" before God. Start with just 5-10 minutes of focused quiet time. During these moments:

Turn off all distractions
Focus on God's character and presence
Wait on Him rather than rushing to action
Remember He is your refuge

Ask yourself:

What keeps me from being still before God?
Am I letting my feelings or God's truth guide my actions?
How can I better reflect God's character to others through stillness?
Where do I need to stop wrestling with God and simply trust Him?

Remember: God doesn't require perfection - He desires a heart that is willing to be still and know Him as God. Even in our struggles and sins, He remains our refuge and strength.