Be Still and Find Rest in the Lord

There’s just so much noise these days. When I was a little girl in the days of watching TV shows like The Brady Bunch and The Wonder Years reflected what seemed to be a much less noisier time. Life before cell phones, the internet and social media. A much slower life. Those were the days. These days are much different, so it’s important to create time to be still and find rest in the Lord.

Don’t get me wrong, having access to a cell phone, the internet and social media are good, right? But too much of anything is never good.. unless it’s God, I don’t believe you could ever have too much of God.. I’ve never felt like I’ve had too much of God, only too much of everything else.

I haven’t taken my hand to paper in quite some time. Truth is, my thoughts are many and are so scattered. The importance of being still is something the Lord showed me this year, more than once and I’ve found that it doesn’t come easy for me. I’m learning however, to be still, because it is not only important but crucial to spiritual growth and avoiding burnout from life.

The act of intentionally shutting out the world and it’s effects on our minds should be a regular occurrence. Let’s just pencil it into our calendars because quieting the mind comes with discipline and bears fruit.

As a woman wearing many hats (figuratively, I’m not much of a hat wearer) my thoughts are constantly racing, worrying, preparing, deciding, contemplating, praying, planning, you get the picture. Kind of like having too many web browsers open at once; most likely, you can relate.

Be still and know that I am God

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 is often used out of context which is a warning to the nations warring against Israel. However, we should in fact “be still” (rest) and “know” (believe & trust) that God is Sovereign, He is with us, for us, not against us and He hears our prayers.

The stillness spoken of here is not to be motionless however the stillness that accompanies, rest & a quieting of the mind. Our days are spent doing what we can, in our own power to accomplish a myriad of tasks. I’ve found there’s a rejuvenation that comes with intentional resting in the Lord & relying on His power to replenish our mind, body, and spirit.

When we go to sleep at night our bodies work to repair muscle, organs, and other cells. Chemicals that strengthen our immune system start to circulate in our blood. Our bodies were designed with purpose and they need sleep. Likewise, we were designed to exist with our Creator. From honoring our bodies as a temple to using the gifts God has given us and carrying out His will for our lives, it’s all His.

Being still before the Lord is not passive; it’s intentional as we seek & rely on Him to give us strength. As a follower of Jesus, it’s our birthright to come to Him & find rest.

This could look like “quiet time” before anyone else is up in the morning. Or perhaps resting on sabbath. Maybe it’s a day of no plans, no thinking about to-do lists, no errands, no phone and just laying on the floor while your kids play with worship music in the background. Let’s make rest a priority in our lives and figure out ways to incorporate stillness into our week.

Bible verses on being still

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Psalm 62:5-6 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.

Psalm 37:7 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Before you go, you might like Martha & Mary Bible Lesson

Final Thoughts

The truth is, for me, being a stay-at-home mom has fluctuated throughout the years. At one point I also worked part time outside of the house. After my first born started kindergarten I succumbed to depression, slept most of the day & wasted a few years of my life. Then, I went from that extreme to the next; to avoid my anxiety and depression I spent a lot of years busying myself. The busier I could stay, the less I could think about anxiety or depression. In other words, I could avoid the reality of actually dealing with it.

Staying busy became a coping mechanism for me so this past year when I was physically forced to rest, it was like my body didn’t even know how. I was so ancy, it felt unnatural to rest. As women these days we put our hands to so many different things in a single day. And these days, I have an understanding that I am walking in my purpose. My days have meaning and so do yours. But we can’t walk in God’s Will without plugging into Him, our energy source.

What happens when we charge our phones? When we are still and we rest in the Lord, in His provision, truth & promises, we too begin to operate optimally.

I’d love to hear from you, how are you finding ways to rest in the Lord? Let me know in the comments!