Be Still- Written by Alana Oehler

Psalm 46:10

“Be still and know that I am God; (and)

I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

Life is full of movement and full of noise. Movement is not a bad thing. If we are moving, we are living. But movement is exhausting, physically and mentally. In some ways, all this movement can be paralyzing. We feel stuck or caught because even though we're moving all over the place there is no direction or meaning behind it. We know we're moving, but we wonder if we're really getting anywhere. When our days are over scheduled and there’s no time to truly rest, not even a moment to stop and think clearly, that’s when God says, “Be still.”

And when the noise of our lives is going at top volume, it’s difficult to hear ourselves think, much less hear what anyone is saying. When we are bombarded by media, and messages, and the whirr of technology, it’s exhausting. Sometimes we just want to put our hands over our ears and yell, “STOP!” That’s when God says, “Be still.”

“Be still and know that I am God.” Take a moment each day to stop and praise God for all he has created. Take a moment to really see the sky, the trees, the buildings, and the people around you. Take a moment to thank God for all the blessings he has given you.

Jesus, John the Baptist, and others went off to meditate and pray and to take themselves away from the hectic world. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and prove what God’s will is, his good pleasing and perfect will for you.” 

The next time you have fearful and anxious thoughts that are raging within you like a violent storm, do as Jesus did. Silence those thoughts by saying, “Peace, be still.” When you need strength and help, let go and rest in God, your refuge. Be still and know that He is God.

As you go through this next week, think about these questions.

1. Why is it important to be still and listen for God’s soft voice?
2. What are some ways you get distracted? How can you change this?
3. What is one thing you can do today to listen to God?

Prayer: Dear God, you are an awesome God who has given me many blessings. Thank you! Thank you for reminding me that I need to stop during my busy and noisy day and be still and remember that you are God and you are always with me. Amen.

Written and submitted by: Alana Oehler