29 | Is Your Busy Life Keeping You from Hearing God? Exploring the Spiritual Art of Slowing Down

Discover the profound impact of stillness on your spiritual journey with this episode of Living on Purpose in Christ. What if the key to navigating life's chaos lies in the power of being still? Join me, Paula, as we uncover the timeless wisdom of Psalm 46:10, offering a divine invitation to surrender and trust in God's sovereignty. Experience a mental shift from worry to peace as we explore three essential aspects of stillness—spiritual, mental, and relational—and learn practical ways to incorporate this transformative practice into your daily routine.

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Transcript

Paula Behrens: 0:02

Welcome to Living on Purpose in Christ, the podcast where we explore how to draw closer to God and live a fulfilling and intentional life rooted in faith. Hi, I'm Paula, your host, and today we're diving into a powerful and comforting message found in Psalm 46, verse 10, be still and know that I am God. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of everyday life, with endless to-do lists, the incessant buzz of notifications and the constant demand to be productive? It's no wonder that finding peace seems elusive. But in the midst of all this noise, there is a divine intention to pause, to breathe and to be still. This invitation comes directly from God, beckoning us to step out of the whirlwind of our own making and into his presence.

Paula Behrens: 0:59

Psalm 46, verse 10 is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and a call to trust him. What does it mean to truly be still, and how can this stillness lead us into a deep, abiding peace? First, let's reflect on the context of this psalm. Psalm 46 is often thought to have been written during a time of extreme turmoil and distress for the Israelites. Despite the tumultuous background, it begins with the declaration that God is our refuge and strength and ever-present help in trouble. The psalmist then encourages us to not fear, even if the earth gives way. By the time we reach verse 10, the tone shifts from declaration to a personal, quiet invitation Be still and know that I am God. In this verse, the call to be still is not just an instruction to cease physical movement. It's an invitation to a state of peaceful surrender and trust. It's an acknowledgement that, while we might feel pressured to take everything into our hands, we are actually called to trust the one who holds the entire world and all our concerns in his hands.

Paula Behrens: 2:28

Today, I want to share three key aspects of what it means to find peace in stillness and how we can practice this in our daily lives. First, let's consider the spiritual aspect of stillness. Being still is about more than just stopping our activities. It's about calming our hearts and creating space in our lives for God. In today's world, silence can feel well uncomfortable. Yet it's in these quiet moments that we often hear God's whisper. The practice of quiet reflection, whether through prayer or meditation, aligns our spirit with God's spirit, helping us to listen more intently for his guidance.

Paula Behrens: 3:17

I encourage you to take some time each day to simply be still before God. Find a comfortable place, close your eyes and let God's presence wash over you. Release your concerns, focusing on God's assurance. During this time, perhaps meditate on Psalm, chapter 46, verse 10, repeating it softly to yourself, allowing its truth to sink into your heart. The second aspect we'll explore is the mental shift that comes from being still.

Paula Behrens: 3:52

Our minds are often like a highway at rush hour busy and congested. We often dwell on past mistakes and fret over future uncertainties. However, god invites us to embrace stillness and align our racing thoughts with his calming peace. Practically, we can begin to renew our minds by focusing on God's word and his promises. Scripture assures us that he has plans to prosper us, to give us hope and a future. We hear that in Jeremiah, chapter 29, verse 11. By intentionally reflecting on these truths, we can replace the tumult of our worries with God's peace. Journaling can also be a wonderful way to process our thoughts through the lens of scripture. Write down your worries and then write a truth from the Bible that counters that worry.

Paula Behrens: 4:51

Finally, let's talk about the relational aspect of stillness. In stillness, we not only connect more deeply with God, but also improve our relationships with others when we are less hurried and worried. We become more present with those we love. This presence allows us to listen better, love more generously and live with more compassion. Consider letting go of small annoyances and practicing forgiveness. Letting go doesn't mean ignoring problems, but rather seeing them through the lens of God's grace. When we are still and grounded in Christ, we become peacemakers people who carry God's peace into our interactions with others.

Paula Behrens: 5:41

Before we close today's episode, I want to leave you with a little challenge. Find a moment each day where you can practice stillness, whether it's five minutes before the chaos of the morning noise begins, during your lunch break or right before bed. Remember this is your time to be alone with God, clearing your mind and aligning your heart with his will. As you continue this practice, I pray that you will experience the profound peace that comes from knowing God. And remember, as Psalm 46 reminds us, god is our refuge and our strength. Thank you for tuning in to Living on Purpose in Christ today. If today's show resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend who could use a gentle reminder about finding peace in God's stillness. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and stay updated on future episodes. Also, join the Faith Building Club to explore more ways to deepen your connection with God. You'll find the link in the description section below today's show. Until next time, I'm Paula. Stay blessed and be still knowing that he is God.