Be Still

Psalm 46:10 (NIV) He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Being still. Is that really a thing? For anyone that knows me, I’ve always been an on the go type of girl. I like to keep my schedule pretty full: working, coaching, spending time with friends and family, playing sports, etc. I always thought being busy was good. I’m productive, making the most of my time, helping others. Maybe you can relate.

Stillness. Solitude. Seclusion. If I’m being honest, these are words that have always rattled my emotions and played on an innate sense of loneliness that the devil has used to keep me from slowing down long enough to experience a true, intimate relationship with Jesus. However, in this most recent season, God has been speaking to me, in a way that only He can, about the need for stillness in my life.

In our society today, we are all so busy and everything is always about moving forward. Getting that promotion. Building a bigger house. Being involved more in the community. Don’t get me wrong, all of those things can be good, but I firmly believe we should begin to seek and place more value on spiritual pauses in our life. We can all remember times we’ve looked at ourselves in the mirror after getting all dressed up for a special event, but how often have we actually allowed ourselves to pause when that image staring back at us appears bruised, beaten and if we’re being honest, a total mess?

For me, a spiritual pause describes a space in which we force ourselves to stay long enough for God to reveal and eventually heal our human brokenness through His divine, spiritual presence. Based on my own experience, the process is messy and at times, overwhelmingly difficult. Yet, as I stand where I am today after many tears, hours spent with a Christian counselor, prayers and quiet time with God, I can confidently encourage you not to be afraid of the pause.

Genesis 1:27 states “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

Remembering this God breathed truth can help you be courageous enough to step out into the process of receiving the heart change God has for you. Be patient. Be still. Listen and allow God to move. The process may look different for you than it has for me, but learning to live in the image of God and who He says we are compared to who the world tells us we should be is immensely freeing and completely life changing.