We live in a world focused on DOING more than BEING. I’ve spent the past several weeks learning how to BE. I am, like you, a DOER, not a BE-er. Upon taking my leave from work my first temptation was to fill up my calendar with DOING. My wife, Terri, and my therapist, Jeremy, both quickly and wisely encouraged me to try my hand at BEING.
The ONE thing I had to do is get well. And getting well meant being still.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalms 46:10 NIV
In today’s busy world, being still and silent is challenging. Scripture encourages us to find peace and stillness. Psalm 46 reminds us that in moments of stillness, we find a deeper connection to God, gaining clarity and strength. It’s not about achieving perfect silence or stillness but about setting aside intentional moments to calm your mind and seek God’s presence. Like Elijah, who encountered God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper, we might find God in the quiet moments.
The Bible offers several examples where finding God in stillness and reflection is emphasized:
Elijah on Mount Horeb
As mentioned before, Elijah’s encounter with God on Mount Horeb is a profound example. After a windstorm, earthquake, and fire, Elijah hears a gentle whisper, indicating God’s presence. God is often found in the quiet, gentle moments.
Jesus in Solitude
Jesus frequently withdrew to solitary places to pray and connect with God. These moments of solitude and stillness were crucial for Jesus to maintain his connection with the Father.
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 5:16 NIV
The Sabbath Rest
The concept of the Sabbath is a divine invitation to rest and reflect. In Exodus, the Lord commands his people to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. There is a time of rest that offers the opportunity to reconnect with God and get spiritual renewal.
The Psalmist’s Meditation
The Book of Psalms is filled with reflections on finding peace and understanding through meditative contemplation.
We try and pack—no—CRAM—a lot into our day. What if we slowed down and took our time? Everything doesn’t have to be a MAD RUSH. Slow down. Be still. Be fully present in the moment you’re in right now.
Stillness is not about doing nothing, BUT about being intentionally present with God. We can experience God’s voice, comfort, and guidance.
Friend, may you find comfort and peace as you seek this stillness in your life. Go BE.
Thanks for reading, my friend. Until my next post…
Be salty, stay lit.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
#bgbg2#BibleGateway
The Stigma Stops Here.🛑
#mentalhealthmatters
The Devotional Guy™ 
I agree, Nic—silence and stillness make us uncomfortable. We always feel like we need to fill the void (we naturally conclude there is one ). Thanks for reading and sharing your insights!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your words that Stillness is not doing nothing. That is good. Being intentional. I find it interesting that a lot of focus these days even in church is about the “show” “feel” “wow moments” whipping up emotions and seems to have forgotten how to be still. Quiet makes people uncomfortable and almost as if they can’t quite believe that God is not in those quiet moments. God doesn’t need entertaining. If a service isn’t captivating people it’s called boring now sadly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, it will release on Wednesday the 26th!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen 🙏 thank you for reading. I will pop over and check your post out this evening.
LikeLike
Full of wisdom, thank you. What a coincidence that I just wrote a piece on this subject today and used the same verse. It must be a message we all need!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Loring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like, “Stillness is not about doing nothing” Be Well My Friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen 🙏🏾. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This tension between doing and being is something I’ve been thinking about quite a bit recently, Anneta. I’m glad my post resonated with you. Thanks for reading!Blessings 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen 🙏🏾. How do we just rest in his promise when we’ve spent our entire lives deriving validation from doing. 😊 We are enough as God is enough and we are sufficient only in Christ’s sufficiency. Blessings 🙏🏾
LikeLiked by 1 person