Finding Rest in God’s Stillness
Today's Scripture:
“He says, ‘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 (NIV)
In a world full of constant noise — phone notifications, breaking news, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to always do more — stillness can feel foreign. Yet Psalm 46:10 gives us a divine instruction that is both simple and profound: “Be still, and know that I am God.” This is not a casual suggestion; it’s a call to retreat from chaos and enter into the deep rest and confidence that only come from knowing who God is.
Stillness is not just about silence — it’s about surrender. It’s a spiritual posture that acknowledges that God is in control, even when everything around us feels uncertain. When the noise of life tries to drown out His voice, God lovingly calls us to a quiet place, not to punish us, but to refresh us.
Jesus Himself modeled this beautifully. Despite the crowds and demands, He often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). His ministry flowed out of intimacy with the Father, not constant activity. He invites us to do the same. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Rest is not optional in our spiritual walk — it is essential. It’s how we refuel. It’s where we learn to trust.
Psalm 23:1-3 reminds us of the care God offers: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” These verses aren’t poetic clichés — they are promises. God makes us lie down because He knows that in rest, we are restored. In quiet waters, our souls are nourished.
Stillness allows us to hear God more clearly. In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah was hiding in a cave, discouraged and afraid. God didn’t speak through the wind, earthquake, or fire — He came in a gentle whisper. That’s the nature of God’s voice. It’s not always loud, but it is always powerful. To truly know God — not just know about Him — we must spend time in His presence. That’s where transformation happens.
When we choose stillness, we aren’t abandoning responsibility — we’re aligning our hearts with heaven. We stop striving, stop trying to carry everything alone, and simply rest in the truth that He is God — sovereign, good, and always near. Philippians 4:6-7 offers this invitation: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Peace doesn’t come from understanding every detail. It comes from trusting the One who does. The world may continue to spin, but we can find rest in the One who holds it in His hands. When we quiet the noise around us and within us, we give God space to speak, comfort, and lead us forward.
Three Practical Ways to Walk This Out Daily:
Create a Daily Quiet Time
Set aside at least 10–15 minutes a day to simply sit with God. No phone, no agenda, just you and Him. Read a short passage of Scripture, close your eyes, and ask the Holy Spirit to speak. Even a few quiet minutes can recalibrate your entire day.Practice the Art of Sabbath
Set one day a week where you intentionally slow down. Whether that means turning off social media, spending time in nature, journaling, or worshipping, allow your heart to rest in God's presence. Sabbath is God’s gift for your soul — not a burden but a blessing.Pray First, Not Last
Instead of trying to fix, plan, or control every situation, get into the habit of going to God first. When you feel overwhelmed, whisper a simple prayer: “God, I trust You. Help me be still and know You are in control.” This practice shifts your dependence from self to Savior.
Stillness is not weakness. It is where strength is renewed, clarity is given, and intimacy with God is deepened. In the quiet, He reminds us: You are not alone. You don’t have to carry it all. I am God — and I am with you.
So today, breathe deep. Be still. Let your soul remember who is really in control. He is your refuge, your rest, and your reward.