Be Still

Do you struggle to find the value in being still? Do you feel as if you are failing if you are not continually working? Then join us below as we discover the benefits of being still and how not every season is meant to be busy!

To Be Still:

While there are many places where we could begin to explore the usefulness of being still, it is valuable for us to first understand what “being still” means.

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary we discover that the word “still” can mean many things:

• Abstaining from or being devoid of motion
• Uttering no sound—being quiet, subdued, or muted
• Calm or tranquil—free from noise or turbulence
• Calm, allayed, or settled (put an end to)
• To cease the motion of

In 21st century Western world culture, to “be still,” is increasingly viewed in a negative light. It can be construed as being lazy or lacking drive. It can be connected to delays or unwanted inactivity. And it can be lost in several modern usages of the word. Yet, while being still when we are meant to move forward can indeed be a negative thing, there are many positives to be found by being still, and the Word lays the case for these quite plainly…

To Be Still in the Word:

So, we understand the possible meanings behind being still in the modern world, but do we understand being still as God would have us be? Do we understand the benefits that can come from choosing to be still?

Let us first begin by exploring Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, a Scripture often quoted and likely known in part by all of us, but so easily overlooked when we are in one of the seasons we view as being “negative.”

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to gain, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

These 152 words remind us over and over again that in some seasons we may busy doing one thing, while in others we may be busy doing the opposite… and we understand that. Or do we?

When suddenly out of work, so often we view it as an attack of the enemy instead of perhaps a season meant to transition us to the next thing. And while the enemy could indeed be involved in our removal, does not God turn what the enemy means for evil to our good? Could not such a season be useful?

When we are mourning for the loss of something or someone we loved and had once served an important purpose or role in our lives, do we not often become angry at the loss instead of grieving but accepting the new beginning it may bring? Is it not possible that one thing is removed to allow another?

And in the times of transition, do we not often struggle with the sudden stillness around us? Do we not tend to long for what was taken instead of learning from and accepting the season of being still—not idle, but knowing God’s timing is perfect.

Exodus 14:14 in the NIV says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

When things look dire around us, particularly when our inclination is to “spin our wheels” as we try to “fix” things ourselves… we need to be still. We need to find rest and peace in God.

One of the meanings of the word “still” is to be calm, tranquil. We need to rest in God, knowing that He will fight for us. He will lead us and provide for us. Yes, He may tell us to do something in the battle, or in the stillness, but if we rest in Him, we will be able to hear His command to us. We will be able to be lead.

When we are loud, or always in motion—never being still or resting in God—then we fail to create a resting place for God. A place where He can speak to us, move in us and through us, and shape us to be our best selves.

“Be still, and know that I am God…”—Psalm 46:10

When we are still and KNOW that He is God, He will move. Often it takes our accepting or choosing to be still in Him to open doors—better doors than the ones we once had or could force open through action. Being still in the right moments and seasons allows the power of God to move.

Benefits of Choosing to Be Still in God:

When we choose to be still in God, no matter if we are in the midst of a busy or quiet season, we will always benefit from it. It may look different in each season, even ranging from seconds to months, but in all seasons it allows us to know God…

When we are busy, being still in God refreshes us. It allows us to continue forward without stumbling from hunger or thirst—hunger and thirst that creeps in when we fail to spend enough time in God’s Word and presence. Being in His stillness allows God to fight for us when we are overwhelmed. And it teaches us what we should and should not do—what we are to accept or not. Those moments of time in His stillness are what keep us moving.

When we are in a quiet season, being still provides peace. It allows us to better know what we are meant to work on—in ourselves, our lives, our goals, etc. It provides us the food and drink of God to not only walk through the season, but to be where we need to be to walk into our next season… to go higher. In those days, weeks, or months, we are granted the opportunity to intimately meet with our Father in the stillness.

No matter what season we are each in, we can all benefit from taking a moment—or several—to be still. Be it speaking in tongues for a few minutes on a lunch break, or spending a day in the Word, being intentional about finding time to be still in God is key to breakthrough!

By letting God lead us and teach us, not only will we be able to discover where and how to be still in Him, but we will be readied and guided by Him into all He has for us. We will be able to fulfill our Kingdom purpose!

“Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me.”—Matthew 11:29 (TPT)

Let us be still…

If you would like to create a daily habit of being still with God, then consider purchasing one of these daily study guides to shift your focus back to God and His Word…

• Brave Heart: A Nine-Week Study on Joshua from Aliene Thompson
• Dream Builder: A Six-Week Study on Joseph and the Patriarchs by Aliene Thompson
• You Belong to the Bridegroom: 12-week study of The Gospel of Mark From Aliene Thompson
• God Calling by A.J. Russell—a daily devotional to remind you of the true love of God

If you would like to discover how God renews your strength, then click HERE!

If you would like to help Curt Landry Ministries bring aid and light to God’s people in Israel, the United States of America, and beyond, then click HERE to become a Covenant Partner!