Be Still
The mind can be a scary place. I know for me, it’s a constant battle between knowing what is true and fearing what could be. We are living in a very unique time where, as a nation, we are facing the fear of what could be and what is on a daily basis. I’ve found in this crazy time that the simple act of slowing down and being still in the presence of God has a profound impact on all aspects of my life. Normally we’re moving through life busy and focused on just getting through the day. This season gives us an opportunity to slow down a little and maybe get a little more acquainted with the God who’s in charge of all this. It’s hard to be still in God’s presence and there are many things that get in my way. Distractions, wanting to control everything, and unhealthy fixations are three things that keep us from being still in the presence of God.
In this age of connectivity and constant sensory overload, a big part of life has been put on hold with the virus, leaving us more time to stew in our own thoughts and spiral downhill quickly if we aren’t careful. Work has either slowed down or halted altogether, unless you’re an essential personal in which case you have plenty to be distracted by. For the rest of us, we have been given an opportunity to step back from our “normal” tightly scheduled lives and realize what is truly important.
Psalms 46:10 (NIV)
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Being still removes the distractions and gives focus to God. It’s hard to be worrying about the troubles of this world when you’re focused on the one who made the world.
I have found in my life most actions, beliefs, and lifestyle choices stem from our worldview and thought patterns. So now in this time of sustained existentialism, it’s important to maintain the correct worldview and mindset. In my life, slowing down and being still are some of the things that I tend to avoid. When I’m still, there’s nothing protecting me from my mind and the thoughts of inadequacy. Releasing control of what I’m not meant to control is another way that helps me be still in God’s presence.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
When we are still, we release control over our problems and things that worry us. It gives that control over to the one who can handle it without any problem. There is a big difference between being “still” and being closed off to the rest of the world. It doesn’t mean ignoring everything else in your life besides God. It’s not about ignoring everything else, but knowing who is in control of everything else.
Mark 4:39 NIV
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
This verse is talking about when Jesus calmed the waters in the Sea of Galilee. His disciples were traveling from one side of the sea to the other, about 8 miles in total. Jesus had fallen asleep and a storm began to roll in and disrupt the boat. The disciples were freaking out and yelling for Jesus to save them. Their surroundings began to dictate their emotional state and concern for their well-being. After calming the seas Jesus asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” He didn’t ask of them to ignore the storm or pretend it didn’t exist. But He did ask of them to focus and trust in the solution rather than the distracting and controlling problems that surrounded them.