Read: 1 Kings 19:11–13
I still remember the season when I learned the art of being still. It was a time when life’s chaos seemed to drown out everything else around me. I rushed through my days, prayers.
Until, I felt a gentle nudge, encouraging me to quiet my heart and mind.
As I learned to still myself, I began to feel the tangible presence of God. That shift allowed me to understand His love in a more personal, profound way. My prayers transformed from a one-sided conversation to an exchange where I could hear His voice.
Practicing how to be still before God during prayer requires setting aside our agendas and simply sitting quietly before Him.
It means relinquishing our expectations (which can be hard) and eagerly anticipating His voice, ready to be spoken to at any given moment.
It’s an active seeking that fosters a deeper connection. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of waiting on God and the importance of being still.
The Importance of Waiting on God
The concept of waiting on God appears in Scripture over 50 times. Let’s take a look at one of my favorite examples.
Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11–13.
God spoke to Elijah during one of the most distressing periods of his life. Instead of manifesting through grand gestures—the powerful wind, the earthquake, or the fire—God chose to speak in a gentle whisper. This is where we learn that:
Our God often shows Himself through the quiet spaces of our hearts.
Our culture celebrates busyness and constant activity, often drowning out the calm assurance that God offers us through His voice.
As the Bible reminds us, our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His still, small voice calls us even now, inviting us deeper into a relationship that requires patience.
Waiting on God is an act of faith.
Esther’s story is such a great reminder of just how powerful waiting can be! Because she waited on God for guidance, she knew exactly when to approach the king with her big request for her people (check out Esther Chapter 4).
How to Be Still Before God
- Unplug
- Start with prayer
- Keep a journal
Unplug.
It all starts with ditching distractions! These days it feels like we’re always plugged into something, whether it’s endless notifications or that never-ending to-do list demanding our attention. Prioritizing God means we need to:
Hit pause on all this noise, at least for a little while.
Just imagine letting go of your screens and to-dos for a moment. Clearing that external chaos helps create a peaceful space where nothing can interrupt the important stuff.
This isn’t just about quieting the outside world; it’s about giving our hearts the room they need for some true serenity. By doing so, you’re setting up the perfect vibe to tune into God’s voice, loud and clear. So, go ahead—unplug and find that calm!
Start with prayer.
Which allows us to honor Him, praise His name, and cast our cares on Him, redirecting our focus away from the world toward Christ. Once we’ve poured out our hearts, the next step is crucial:
Make time to sit in quietness and listen.
Setting a timer for at least five minutes can be extremely helpful, particularly when you are just beginning. Use this time to embrace the stillness and be silent before God.
However, remember that being still goes beyond physical stillness. It requires discipline to keep our thoughts from wandering, but when we stay focused on God, we provide Him with the space to work within our hearts.
Initially, sitting in silence may feel awkward or uncomfortable, and we might be tempted to fill the void with more words or distractions. But embracing that discomfort allows God to move in an unexpected way, revealing His character and love amid the quiet.
Keeping a journal.
During prayer, jot down any impressions or promptings you felt during this sacred time with God. Journaling provides us with a tangible record of His faithfulness, reminders of His whispers of love and guidance when we may struggle to hear Him.
I love the Hebrew definition of ‘be still,’ which translates to sink or relax. God calls us to rest in Him. He invites us into a space of peace, nudging us to lean into His presence. This week, set aside time to sink into the presence of your Savior. Let the stillness envelop you as you draw even deeper understanding of His love.
Prayer
Lord, help me to set aside distractions and be disciplined enough to pursue You. Thank You for always being with me. Help me even more so to recognize Your presence and hear Your voice. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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