Be Still

 By: Grace Metzger

Be still, and know 
that I am God!
Psalms 46:10

As a kid my parents had this verse painted on a wall in the kitchen. I never thought too much about this scripture until recently. I've heard it constantly, seen it constantly, but never truly dug in what it means. Being still isn't something I love to do. I'm always doing something, whether it's being on my phone, working, reading, etc. I don't like to sit and do nothing but twiddle my thumbs and stare at a wall.

Be still in the presence of the Lord

and wait patiently for Him to act

Psalms 37:7

This is another verse I stumbled upon while I was digging in to what the phrase "be still" meant. I love how they mentioned the words be still twice in just a couple of chapters. The Bible is very precise, nothing is an accident or coincidence for God. So if God decided to add that twice  then it must be a very important part of our walk with Him.

I think back to the way I spend time with God. I normally enjoy spending my time in prayer while I'm going on a walk, spend my time in the Word while I'm eating, spending my time in worship while I'm driving. I don't think there is anything wrong with any of that, but what stood out to me was the lack of private time where I was just sitting and being with God. Not doing anything but being with Him.

I've been testing it out this week and you know what happens when you try to get closer to God in a new way? The devil decides that this is his time to shine and attacks your life. I've had an allergic reaction to a food I didn't think I was allergic to, twisted my leg, fell down the stairs, got sick, haven't been able to sleep well in days, the list just goes on and on. During a normal week I would have been anxious, upset, and probably want to start crying. But this week was different. I felt calmer, more at peace. This is an incredible improvement from my normal week.

Spending time alone, with no distractions, no tv, no music, just you and God will change you in an incredible way. I like to joke that I'm a walking anxiety attack, but this week I didn't have a panic attack, didn't cry, didn't get mad. Because I was spending those few minutes in the morning and before bed with God I was setting up my day in a positive and happy way.

I challenge you this upcoming week to set aside a few minutes in the morning, it doesn't have to be 30 minutes or an hour, to spend with just you and God. Been having a hard week, month, or maybe a hard year? Try this! I promise you, you will notice a difference! 

Discussion Questions: When do you like spend your quiet time with God?