Be still and know that I am God (Psalms 46:10)
It is not surprising to know that many people feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. We only need to look around us to see it etched on the faces of those we pass by in the street. In an era where people are plagued with worry and anxiety about what tomorrow will bring, it is no wonder that many people struggle with mental health issues or find their health compromised.
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25)
Studies have shown that anxiety is the most prevalent mental health disorder of our time.
Societal pressure encourages us to constantly reach for more, to become better, to earn more and more. We are told to reach and grasp for bigger and better, packaged to make us believe that owning more stuff will make us happy or more attractive to those around us.
If this was true, why do so many people who have accomplished great heights of success, still feel unfulfilled and empty inside? Instead they battle anxiety and depression more often than they experience joy, peace and contentment.
The word of God encourages us:
“Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your desires be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 6-7)
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
This verse is quoted more often than many others and seems almost cliché in its simplicity, yet holds a tremendous truth. In being still, we’re able to hear God’s voice and we get to know Him more intimately. When we retreat to the inner stillness of our being, seeking His presence, we will always find Him there.
The 3 C’s to Stillness
- Choose it!
To be still is a choice! When we are overwhelmed by life’s challenges we have a choice to set aside the frantic and mundane and seek God’s face and will for our lives. When we choose to make time to be still with God, He will reveal His plan and purpose for our lives.
2. Claim it!
Claim the promise that He has given in His word. “You will seek me and find me if you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13.
3. Find Clarity
When we are in that space of stillness with our heavenly father, we gain perspective. We find that the things we worry about seem trivial in the light of His greatness. We realise that we can “cast our cares upon Him, for He cares for us.” That He is on our side, that everything is happening for our highest good and that we can achieve more by trusting His divine will and timing for our lives.
Let us unplug from distractions and emotions that generate anxiety and fear within us. Let us choose to be still before God so we can experience the peace that only He can give.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, do I give unto you, let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid. (John14:27)
It is in stillness that we are able to release the grip of anxiety and fear and connect with God’s everlasting peace.
His word says: The Lord will fight for you , you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)
Be still … be still! For just a breath, into the depths where souls find rest. Then soar on wings beyond earthly things. -Penny Quinn
