What does it mean to be still? Webster defines it as “devoid of or abstaining from motion” and, “uttering no sound.“ 

In our world today, how hard is that? I can’t even hide in the bathroom from my kids for a few minutes of silence before there is a knock at the door. Not to mention, during busy seasons many responsibilities beckon my heart and mind all the day long.

Sometimes, time with God is the last thing on my mind, even as a believer. I know that I am not alone in this problem because the Bible beckons our return to God’s heart in every book. It is a common problem.

Let me submit to you that it is less about silence and more about a relationship of trust.

Think about a house whose foundation is cracked or broken. Over time, that house starts to shift and other cracks and breaks start to occur. Holes open and the weather gets inside. Now, bugs and other “critters” can make their way into the house where you live. You become uncomfortable with relaxing there and you choose to spend your time elsewhere. The house also becomes unstable and not a safe place to live. You can’t be “still” in this house.

A relationship with God, however, is built upon who He has proven Himself to be and there are NO cracks, NO foundational issues, and NO shifting. He has proven Himself over and over in our lives and in His Word. The problem is not with our God, it’s with us. Our feelings and perspectives seem to cloud the judgments we have about God.

We also hear the questions and statements that people who don’t know God ask like, “Why would God allow bad things to happen to good people?” and, “God is kind, He would never allow anyone to hurt.”

What are your feelings saying about God? When you go through hardship, what is your perspective on what you are going through? Start there and examine your heart towards God.

The God of the Bible understands that we will not grow unless we not only read the Word and know Him, but we experience His grace and wisdom throughout hardships in our lives. In Luke 22:42, Jesus felt hardship and despair at the Mount of Olives. He said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Our Savior felt overwhelmed, anxious, worried. His human body was giving Him the same signs that you and I feel in the middle of something tough. The difference is, He turned to His Father and said Lord, your will not mine.

What or who do you turn to when your feelings are strong?

His perspective at the Mount of Olives was also different from ours. We want the pain to stop. We want to have happy times. Our focus is on us. But, Jesus’s perspective, even facing His own death, was to do the will of the Father. That will gave us a way to now have a relationship with the Almighty, wonderful God through the death and resurrection of His son.

Jesus trusted His Father completely. He knew His Father and His character.

What do you know about the Father that gives you confidence in Him? Start there…the foundation.

Some encouraging scriptures:

• 2 Corinthians 1:6 –  If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.
• Colossians 1:10-12 –  And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
• Psalm 73:24 –  You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
• Revelation 17:14 –  They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.

In hardship and in good times, always start at the foundation of the Christian faith: who is Jesus and who is His Father? Search your feelings and your perspectives. Focus on His character in His Word. Your perspectives and your feelings will change as you get to know the Father and His Son better and they will become more and more like His. Your foundation will be stronger and more trust in its workmanship will be added. The trust will be built and you will know what it means to be “still.”f

Your house will grow to be beautiful.

Lauren Dillard