Be Still. Are You Kidding?
The notion of stillness runs countercultural to our beings as motion pulsates all around. Life incessantly moves at a feverish pace and in order to keep up we just keep at it. In the slightest moment of pause, we grab the iphone or remote or device. Do you agree?
For a nanosecond, let’s Be Still and lean in to this reality.
Secular Consideration
Melissa Kirsch of the New York Times writes in Why We Can’t Stop Rushing, “We rush because we’re late. We also rush because we want to move quickly away from discomfort. We rush to come up with solutions to problems that would benefit from more sustained consideration. We rush into obligations or decisions or relationships because we want things settled.
Worrying is a kind of rushing: It’s uncomfortable to sit in a state of uncertainty, so we fast-forward the tape, accelerating our lives past the present moment into fearsome imagined scenarios. . . . This obsession with being done with things, of living life like an endless to-do list, is ridiculous.”
Scriptural Instruction
Yet, Scripture whispers a different trajectory. When we find ourselves amping up over a mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, professional, relational heartache or headache, the Bible speaks two little words into our churning: “Be Still.”
Be Still. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).
I’m Fighting a Battle You’ve Already Won (Shane & Shane)
Be Still. “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7).
Be Still (Hillsong Worship)
Be Still. “Be still and know that I am God” (Isaiah 46:10).
Be Still and Know (Rosemary Siemens)
Supernatural Outcome
What potentially happens within us when we choose to Be Still?
We recognize the sovereignty of God.
We relinquish control.
We release expectations.
We actually relax.
So, for just one day, take a stand against our 21st culture and resist the urge to rush, resist the craving to control, resist the habit of hurry and rediscover the sweetness of God’s admonition, “Be Still.”
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ
whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
Why is the instruction Be Still a challenge in our culture?
Which reason speaks to you from those offered by Melissa Kirsch?
What unique challenge do you face when you seek to Be Still?
How does music help you to Be Still?
What is one step can you take to implement a lifestyle that honors this life-giving admonition in Scripture?
Consider this alternate translation of Isaiah 46:10 which reads, “Let go, relax and know that I am God.” Amazing, isn’t it?
