What Does It Mean To "BE STILL"?

Is this even possible for us as humans?

Recently, I talked about being too busy for God; but do we also struggle with slowing down and truly having time for others?

How could we do this?

One thing would be to find healthy margins in our own lives so that we could truly be there for each other in times of need. And, if you’re like me, we all want to be better wives, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, and friends to the people we’re closest to. 

It all boils down to this:

• Each day, we have some decisions to make.

• Each day, we have at least one opportunity to do something for someone else. 

“The intentions of the heart belong to a man, but the answer of the tongue comes from the LORD. All a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the LORD evaluates the motives. Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16: 1-3 (NET)

“We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:1-3 (NLT)

How can we find a balance between our intentions and our motives? 

This is a question I have personally been struggling with for some time now. I not only want to be able to do everything but I want to do it well. This can be a tall order if you are the least bit OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

Trying to juggle all the little things is exhausting in itself and, when you throw in the bigger things that come up you can often find yourself so overwhelmed that you can’t think clearly and it often leaves you feeling frustrated.

Here are a couple of practical things we can do each day to help overcome these thoughts and feelings:

1. Start with God’s Word; really get alone with Him

2. Sit quietly and just listen; listen for His guidance

It sounds simple enough, doesn’t it?

Then why do we make it so hard?

I think it’s because we can’t sit still for five minutes let alone wait for an answer. (I’m guilty of this too) 

We can also practice the following things:

• First thing each morning, find that quiet place and just sit for 10 minutes.

• You can start small; 1, 2, or 5 minutes; then work your way up to 10 minutes.

• Clear your mind, and listen for God to speak; listen for His still, small, voice.

• Do this even before your coffee or reading your Bible or devotional. 

• Then, ask Him to reveal to you what it is He wants you to see and hear; and what it is He wants you to do.

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain”, the LORD told him. “And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.” 1 Kings 19:11-13 (NLT)

This is a great opportunity to be completely alone with God, to be able to hear His soft gentle whisper into our hearts. I have found when I have done this in the past, that God really does show up and my mentality for the day is stronger and healthier. 

Here is my challenge for you; I would love for you to do the above steps with me for the next 30 days. (At least try it for a week, to see if you can tell a difference too)

~ Be Still and Know ~

Stop what you’re doing,

I want you to be awed

be still and know

that I am your God.

Quit trying,

let Me take care of you

Quit stumbling,

I know just what to do.

Quit fretting,

let Me work this out

Quit worrying,

give Me all that doubt.

Quit panicking,

I have your front and back.

Quit struggling,

I know what you lack.

Quit fussing,

your future is in My hand.

Quit complaining,

your days I have planned.

Quit resisting,

you can’t do this on your own.

Quit defying,

let My way to you be shown.

Be still . . .

and know that I am God,

stop what you’re doing,

and in Me ~ you’ll be awed.

By Deborah Ann Belka

“When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the LORD.” Exodus 34:29 (NLT)

I’m pretty sure if we can be more intentional with getting quiet with God, that maybe our faces might not actually become radiant in appearance, but our hearts will.

Dear Lord, I pray for our time to “be still” with You each day will grow so that we are more intentional about Your plans and agendas and not our own, and truly be there for others. Help us today to just stop, pause, and listen for Your small. Still. Voice. In Jesus’ Name, I Pray, Amen.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Proverbs 46:10 (CSB)

I would love to hear from you about your encounters with God as you go through this challenge. Let me know if you’re on board and check in with me regularly for some extra encouragement along the way.

You can comment here on the blog or by email at rubymillerpayne@gmail.com.

***PLEASE NOTE*** AFTER THIS WEEK, I WILL BE TAKING A LITTLE TIME OFF FROM BLOGGING TO GET THROUGH SOME OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON. YOU CAN LOOK FOR IT TO START BACK ON DECEMBER 20, 2023. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

LOVE YOU GUYS!