Be Still

I am, like most of you, a busy person. And I like being busy! Boredom is like a virus to be avoided. On top of being a wife, mom, and teacher, I always have a book (or two) that I’m reading, an audio book that I’m listening to, daily podcasts that I subscribe to, TV shows I’m watching, and of course, social media. When I’m in the car, or getting ready in the mornings, I listen to music, podcasts or audio books. I keep earphones in when I’m cleaning house or going on walks. 

Lately, I’ve realized that there is a danger in all that busy-ness, all that noise. Not that any of it is “wrong”. But how often am I actually “still”? When does my mind get to rest? I realized, in my devotions lately, that prayer is getting more difficult. It’s just me and God. No outside words or noises or images. And that should be a joy! But it has become a little uncomfortable. I don’t spend enough time slowing down, meditating on Truth, listening to God. My mind is so used to being constantly stimulated, that I am becoming dependent on outside noise and losing some inner peace in the process.

We live in a world where we have to “force” ourselves to be still. It doesn’t come naturally. And, if you’re like me, it isn’t easy. But it’s in the quiet places where God meets us, where we commune with Him. It’s in being still that we are reminded that He is God.