Being still seems impossible, but being still is key in intimacy. We stop long enough to listen. To appreciate. To speak words that are not rushed or trite, but meaningful.
Today we will practice being still. In that quiet place you carved out for just you and Jesus.
Suzie, you don’t know my life. I can’t be still.
I’m not to ask anything of you today that I’m not doing myself. Today I close on a house that’s been for sale for five months. Today I’m sleeping in a playroom of a two-year-old as we wait two weeks to move in to our next home. Today I have writing deadlines, and tasks, and things to do. Today I have concerns weighing heavy.
But I also have Jesus. My comfort. My strength. My wisdom. My Lord.
We often go through our deadlines and our chaos and our busy lives, not taking even a moment to be still. When there’s something so valuable waiting to be discovered in that stillness.
So, today, write down Psalm 46:10 in your journal. Underline it in your Bible.
Answer these questions:
- When was the last time I was still in the presence of God?
- What keeps me from that stillness?
- What do I hope to gain by being still before God?
Then do it. Spend a few moments in His presence. Just be still. It will feel awkward in the beginning. Everything you ever thought you needed to do will come to mind.
Be still.
Stay in that place. Close out those thoughts.
Just be. . .
still.
Breathe in His presence. Stay for a few moments, past that awkward time. Don’t ask for anything today.
Just end this still time with a whisper of appreciation for what is to come.
Tomorrow, do this again. Journal the challenges, your hopes, your desires, your thoughts.
THis comes at a perfect time. I just had knee surgery and will have a long fragile recovery process. I know physically I am unable to do much for anyone but I wanted to try to bless at least one person a day in my life thru email, phone call or card to show them how much they mean to me. Also to try to identify some gifts they have and make them stop and be still and realize that. To be still is difficult for anyone and especially for me. I am an active woman but being still for almost 8 hours a day for my knee rehab will force me to be active in other ways. I look forward to the 30 days of intimacy with Jesus.
God Bless you!
I broke my collarbone a couple of years ago. It’s hard to not be able to use your hands when you are a writer. That still time of several weeks not only was healing for my body, but healing for my spirit. I was forced to be still. Isn’t it funny that something so bad as an injury could somehow produce something good because we are still instead of spinning wildly through our days?
I have been trying to practice this in my life this year – being still, listening, not feeling like I have to fill every minute. I admit I have been a bit of a failure. Thank you for sending this reminder – to take time to evaluate what is it that prevents me from finding the still time.
I love the word practice. Some might think it awkward in intimacy with God. Consider this:
I want to practice listening to my children and really hearing what they are saying.
I want to practice being alone with my spouse and tuning in to our relationship.
I want to practice balance so that I am spiritually and physically full instead of empty all the time.
These are just a few areas where being still is an art form, one that might need practice, but for which there are benefits. I’m right there with you, Susan. I want to practice this daily along with you.
This was so hard for me this morning! Immediately the concerns of this world rushed in to my brain- thoughts about bills, thoughts about my husbands safety as he rides a motorcycle to work, what-if thoughts. I wasn’t very successful at being still this morning- I tried to focus on breathing and just bring my thoughts back to the verse. It was good though because it made me recognize how distracted I am allowing my thoughts to be- how I let myself drift so far from the peace Christ has to give me. Going to keep this verse with me today…
It’s not a pass/fail. You are learning to practice the art of being still. So proud that you are seeking God in such an intentional way.
It may sound strange, but before I ever got this email message, as I rested in the sleeper of our semi, in the dark with my hubby next to me I felt God. Psalm 23 became personal once again as I sought to be still and relax. I felt Jesus reassure me that He is MY shepherd and no matter where I wander or what happens He is there. He is there to restore my body and my soul, to stand with me, rescue me, and carry me when I can’t make it on my own.
My response was one of praise and gratitude for His faithfulness in my life, and for this moment in time with Him.
It is not always easy to find that quiet place, and it is not always the same place, but when I stop and focus on Him, He is there. He is always there. I am so thankful for that.
I pray others will take the time to cultivate this practice and enjoy intimacy with Jesus.
You truly show us how finding time can be hard, but how to seek it anyway, right where we are. To find those quiet moments to be still. Love, love this, Mary!
I love Psalm 46:10 so much. As you read it, you cannot help but be aware that God is encouraging us to get still, to get quiet and to watch Him be God. Through His being (action word), He will be lifted up. Doesn’t that get you excited?!?! It gets me excited in a big way. I’m like a step away from tears.
1) The last time I was still, if I am being completely real, was a couple of days ago. I was digging into a personal Bible study lesson. I remember seeing myself through the scriptures. I was convicted in my spirit in such a big way, and I just got quiet. I recall my desparate need to have God speak clearly and help me work through what I was realizing about myself. I’m still practicing the art of stillness .
2) One word…myself and my “priorities.” Is there anything more important than God? That is simple to answer, but hard to put into practice sometimes. With all the things that steal my attention and focus. The truth is, and I have said this so many times, God is THE top priority. But I often tend to let priorities be top.
3) Pure intimacy and passionate, unwavering faith
3)
Just two days ago? I love that! I hear a heart of a woman who wants all that God has. Father, thank you for Kim, and her desire to make you first. Not just in word, but in her heart. Today we take You out of a box and let You show us what pure faith and passionate, unwavering close-knit faith looks like. Show us, step by step, day by day.
I am at my dad’s in Oklahoma on vacation and my brother is here also. So today, I had to draw away in order to be alone. It is hard to listen when things are on your mind. So, i journaled first. Pain is my constant companion, but today I want to celebrate that God is also my constant companion. I was impressed that there is a gift that we can give others and that is to truly listen. Then point to God. In James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye doubled minded. I don’t want to be doubled minded. I want to draw near to God and have my mind set on Him. Blessings. Diana
Submit yourselves. . . such a beautiful act of surrender. Right where we are, God. Right in the midst of crazy life, and busyness. We pull away to surrender to You, to all that You are, and all that You have for us in the midst of ordinary or extraordinary or even painful life. You are are mainstay, our anchor, our joy!
This is my life verse! 🙂
Thank you, Suzie! I’m excited to spend 30 days being still, and I have the perfect journal :)))
Please pray for me that I can be still and just let God love me. And that I can have the joy of my salvation restored and be a witness for Jesus my Savior. That I can bring Glory to God. Thankyou
There is a reason I’m calling this the art of being still. It’s a practice, a new way of being, that will take time to embrace as your own. Father, thank you for Annie. Thank you that she longs to be still and to just allow you to love her. Thank you for restoring the joy of her salvation, for she is a joy to you. Help her rediscover why she calls herself a believer, and why you call her beloved. In Jesus’ name, amen.
This is going to be an amazing journey! I’m grateful God put this study on your heart to share with us!
Breathe in His presence. Stay for a few moments, past that awkward time. Don’t ask for anything today.
Just end this still time with a whisper of appreciation for what is to come.
Suzie, I am praying this for myself. It seems so hard to be still right now. I want (need) it so much.
Me, too, Bonnie.
Thank you for this message. I went to bed last night rejoicing in the Lord, had a good night’s sleep and woke up feeling ugly. I couldn’t pull out of the snit until I read your email. Then I felt peace seep into me. Please don’t stop writing. Lou
Lou, I need this, too. It’s why I’m doing it. I’m just so thankful you are all along on the journey with me. Suzie
I read the Message version of our verse this morning and I thought it was fitting considering all that is happening in the news today:
“Take a long, loving look at Me, your High God, above politics, above everything!”
I am still before your throne. Let me feel your presence. Let me feel your love. Let me recognize and hear your voice. I am in awe of your creation, the skies declare your glory. As the sun shines, let the Son shine through me. Let me quit being busy for busy sake. Let me serve you with purpose. I am in awe of you majesty and mercy. Let me be an instrument of righteousness. Lord, today I am still before you. Diana
What a beautiful praise to Him. Love this!