How are you at being still? I don’t mean sitting still long enough to watch TV. How are you at being quiet and listening to the still small voice of God?
Truth be told. I am terrible at it. I do a good job of praying and listing my concerns to God, but sitting quietly and listening… Not good. Maybe you can relate. I have a hard time turning off my brain. I expect God’s still small voice to be squeezed in between my outgoing thoughts. I don’t think that is how a relationship is supposed to work.
When I finally make an attempt to listen to him, my thoughts start to run my “to do” list, or worse yet, like a reflex, I will grab my phone and head to social media. Ugh. Can you relate? Scripture says to be still, so how do we do this?
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.
Here are 3 tips that help me be still when I’m struggling.
1. Breathe. Okay, yes, you do this all day, everyday. However, breathe deeply, slowly and focus on the breaths going in and out. You may only last 30 seconds the first time. Practice is everything. This simple practice will help you stop focusing on your own thoughts and hear what God is telling you.
2. Journal. I don’t mean write your thought down. I mean write down what you hear God telling you. This also takes practice, but it gets us out of our own thoughts so we can begin to hear what he is telling us. The act of writing keeps us focused on Him.
3. Go for a walk. Yes, this goes against the “be still” but not really. We are talking about stilling our minds. For me, one of the best ways to turn off my mind is to move my body. However strenuous exercise doesn’t work, if you are trying to focus on God. But, getting out in nature and going for a leisurely walk allows me to focus on Him and begin to hear that still small voice.
These are 3 simple tips that help me be still. They don’t take a lot of time or a special place. I do have a 4th tip. This is a hard one. Take extended time like a day or two alone with God. I know it’s not easy to set aside that kind of time particularly with spouses and children. However it rejuvenate the soul in remarkable ways. My little mini retreat is coming up in a few days. I can’t wait. It has been several years since I have done this. I know I will come back refreshed with life prioritized. I didn’t know I could be this excited about being alone with God.
God will meet you where you are. Pick one of the tips that works for you and commit to it. You maybe surprised by what He has in store for you.
Share your tips to being still with God. I know you have one:0)