Stillness

Scripture

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” -Psalm 46:10

Life can be tumultuous with endless cares and responsibilities. It feels like the older I get, the more knowledge I acquire, the busier my life becomes. However, God is calling for His stillness. We’re on a continuous cycle of striving and achieving, and while there is nothing wrong with striving and achieving, they can open the door for anxieties and distractions. Did you know busyness can be a distraction even if you’re doing something good? The Lord is not against achieving goals and advancing in our lives, but He is against us showing up as the superheroes in our stories. This scripture urges us to cease from striving, surrender our cares to Him, and trust in Him instead of our own efforts.

In the Hebrew Lexicon, the word “still” means to slacken, cease, let alone, forsake, or be idle. It’s clear here that the scripture is admonishing us to cease our constant striving and withdraw. As believers, we are up against a lot, and so much of what we’re up against is invisible in unseen realms. Ephesians 6:12 states, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” We’re constantly fighting against spiritual forces, and God is not calling us out of the battle, but He is calling us to a place of withdrawal from the opposition. Meaning, we’re exhorted to stop fighting in our own strength. Stop worrying and trying to solve our problems on our own. He’s calling us to place of trust in His ability to provide and protect. The Lord is calling us to stillness-quieting our minds to experience His peace. He wants us to be more attentive to His presence and guidance.

Ceasing from our striving acknowledges that He is sovereign. He wants us to recognize His supreme right to rule in authority over the earth. Therefore, He’s sovereign in all of our situations. Beloved in your stillness, He wants you to recall who He is in your life. He’s your provider, protector, healer, way maker, and deliverer. He’s bigger than your opposition, seen and unseen. God is with us, Beloved, and in His presence, all worry, anxiety, and striving cease. The Lord is always exercising His will and authority; we have to cooperate by acknowledging Him and surrendering. Beloved, will you cease striving in your own strength and allow God to be exalted over all that you’re facing?

Prayer

Father, we choose to be still and know that you are God. Forgive us for striving and controlling every aspect of our lives. We surrender our cares and worries to you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen