Listening in Stillness

Even though my role this year has been a little different, the noise that rings in my ears for days on end during our winter inclement weather service is still remarkably present. A thousand people talking at the same time can do that to you.

For the past week, OurCalling, the organization I work for, is currently operating the largest emergency cold weather shelter in Texas at Fair Park, the place hundreds of thousands of people visit annually during the State Fair of Texas.

In recent months, I’ve shared my exploration of the concept of “down and to the left” with you on this blog. “Down and to the left” evokes a sense of grounding and release, a posture of humility and surrender. In moments of quiet reflection, when I step back from the noise, I often hear God inviting me to be still—to let go of striving, to rest in His presence, and to trust that He is working even when I cannot see it.

Stepping back from the noise helps us attune our innermost self to the sound of God’s voice. Throughout the Bible, the Lord encourages us to seek His presence and wisdom in stillness. His Word encourages us to recognize His sovereignty and to find peace in His presence by listening in stillness.

Psalm 46:10 ESV

Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!

Listening in stillness, I find a reminder of His steadfast love and faithfulness. The Holy Spirit prompts gives me gentle nudge, encouraging me to listen more deeply—not just with my ears but with my heart. I feel an invitation to let Him untangle the complexities of my thoughts and replace my stress and anxiety with His peace. The Holy Spirit whispers “Keep going. I see you.” Sometimes it’s a call to wait, to let the process unfold without forcing it. This is something I’m not good at. I hear my late earthly father’s voice remind me, “If it doesn’t fit, don’t force it. Nicht zwingen.” I’m reminded that surrender is not passive but an intentional act of trust and alignment with His will.

When we take time to be still, we unexpectedly open ourselves to God’s guidance and comfort. I think of Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 19. This passage beautifully underscores the power of God speaking to us quietly, in the stillness of our soul, rather than in the loud wind, earthquake, or fire. There is profound power in God’s gentle whisper.

1 Kings 19:9 ESV

There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Listening in stillness , the Lord invites us to trust Him as we align our hearts with His purposes and find rest in His everlasting love. It’s a time to cast our all our cares on Him and receive His peace. It’s a time to tell God what we need and thank him for all He has done as we experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

By seeking stillness, we hear God’s voice more clearly, growing in our relationship with Him and receiving His wisdom for our lives.

What has listening in stillness revealed to you?

Until my next post…

Grace and peace,

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™