Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 Other translations render “Be still” as “cease striving, let go, relax.” We so often miss the importance of quieting ourselves as we approach God in our relationship with Him. Our lives are so full of busyness and noise and activity these days, we have forgotten how to focus on God and His Spirit, or never knew in the first place! In order to hear the still, small voice of God within us, we must quiet ourselves. The gospels several times tell us of how Jesus departed to a lonely place to pray –Mark 1:35 for example. There are so many distractions around us. Even when we do slow down and try to focus on the Lord, we are bombarded in our minds with the “do to” list yet to tackle, or even doze off in exhaustion because of our busyness! We continue to resolve to seek the Lord, but time seems to get away from us!
we must quiet ourselves.
There are two aspects of becoming still before the Lord that I would like to share with you. First, we need to remove external distractions. Finding a place where you can be alone and undisturbed is so very important. When we are not distracted by our external circumstances we are more able to center on our hearts and focus on the Lord. So, perhaps it would be helpful to not attempt some quiet time with God in your dining area where you have the stack of dirty dishes in the kitchen directly in your sight!
Finding a place where you can be alone and undisturbed is so very important.
Second, we must learn to quiet our inner beings. There are thoughts within ourselves that call for our attention. Until they are quieted we will most likely not hear God’s voice. One thought that might help is to understand that when you are becoming still before the Lord, you are not trying to “do anything”. You are simply desiring to be in touch with God. Center yourself on that moment and on experiencing your heavenly Father. Becoming still must be allowed to happen, it cannot be hurried or forced.
We see in 2 Kings 3:15 that when Elisha wanted to receive a prophetic word from God he used music to help him focus on God and turn him away from other distractions. David also used music.
Here are a few problems we all encounter when we try to still ourselves before the Lord, and associated solutions:
Problem |
Solution |
Thoughts of things to do |
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Thoughts of sin-consciousness |
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Mind flitting about |
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Need to get in touch with your heart |
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Need for additional time to commune when your mind is poised and still |
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