Be Still and Know

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Quiet time is a foreign concept to me. My life is filled with constant noise whether it’s music blasting loudly from my iPod, continuous conference calls at work, or TV programs providing background noise. The only time I turn it off is when I’m going to sleep. 

I’m not sure why I enjoy the constant hum of background noises. As a Gen X’er, I did grow up as part of the “MTV” generation — maybe that has something to do with it? Most likely, it’s simply because the noise keeps my mind busy and provides a decent distraction from the stressors in my life.

Tonight I was reminded that the Bible instructs us to “be still and know that He is God.” A song written by Steven Curtis Chapman expands the thought further:

Be still and know that He is holy
Be still, O restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of peace
Let the noise and clamor cease
Be still

In the midst of my busy, chaotic (and yes, noisy) life, sometimes I need that gentle reminder to turn everything off and “be still.” It’s during the quiet times God when speaks the loudest. Sitting at His feet, all of my problems fade away. My restless soul is calmed, and life becomes bearable, even joyous, again.

Isn’t it amazing what a little “time out” can do? It’s like going to the gas station and getting refueled — only without the exorbitant costs. All I have to do is stop “doing” and be still.

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2 Responses

  1. Tanya says:
    July 24, 2008 at 1:18 am

    I love this post, thanks for sharing. Have a blessed night.

  2. thenonconformer says:
    July 24, 2008 at 9:29 am

    Insomnia also is a formidable foe. Sadly too many people cannot get the daily sleep they need, it negatively affects one heart condition next too but I found the cure.. I recite these verses.. and I fall asleep quickly next cause the devil does nto want me to mention them and he leaves me alone…

    (Psa 127:2 KJV) It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

    (Psa 4:8 KJV) I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

    (Psa 13:3 KJV) Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

    (Psa 76:6 KJV) At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.

    (Psa 90:5 KJV) Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.

    (Psa 121:4 KJV) Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

    (1 Pet 5:7 KJV) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

    (1 Pet 5:8 KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

    (1 Pet 5:9 KJV) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.