"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
A cacophony of ceaseless pursuits of progress and productivity disrupt our daily life with God. Quiet time is relegated to a brief tip of a few precious minutes, if at all.
We are always busy doing something. There is always something to draw our attention from our affections for our God, the Most High.
The wisdom of Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk known for his profound spiritual insights and contemplative practices, invites us into the sacredness of stillness. Thomas Merton understood the value of withdrawing into quiet places; not as an escape from the world but as a necessary journey towards encountering God more deeply.
The psalmist offers us a welcoming divine invitation to step away from our daily noise-filled routines and enter into a place of silence and solitude.
In stillness, we are not running from our responsibilities. Rather, we are intentionally choosing to face them with God. It is in the quiet that our souls can genuinely listen, free from the multitude of distractions vying for our affection. It is in this sacred solace of silence that we are reminded of God’s sovereignty over our lives and over the world.
As we sit in the restorative solitude of God’s presence, our fears are quelled and our faith is strengthened.
This practice of stillness is not a passive one; it requires intentionality and discipline.
Thomas Merton would argue that it is in this very act of quieting our minds and hearts that we find our true selves—not defined by what we do but by who we are in God. The noise of the world often drowns out the gentle whisper of God’s voice, calling us to remember His presence and promise.
My Prayer for You:
Gracious God, in the stillness of this moment, I seek Your presence. Help me to quiet the noise of my life that I might hear Your voice more clearly. Teach me to rest in Your sovereignty, finding peace in the knowledge that You are God, and I am Yours. May this time of solitude renew my spirit and deepen my faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What practical steps can you take this week to create moments of stillness in your life, allowing space for God to speak into your heart and situation?
Praying for you.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
The Devotional Guy™ 
God’s peace be with you Rainer in your quiet moments of solitude. My early morning is my blessed time to spend with the Lord. His invitation to step away from the world’s noise to taste His encouragement and peace is a welcoming place to be.
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My one word for 2019 was seek and my one word for 2024 is presence. I love those words and words that similarly beckon us to draw closer to the Lord. I think this is because, as you pointed out, we have many distractions. And sitting still takes discipline. But the result is well worth it. Thank you for this much needed encouragement.
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