Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.
Philippians 2:13 (AMP) For it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.
Romans 8:29-31 (MSG) God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 (MSG) Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something.
Life moves fast. Too fast. The world demands our attention, pulling us in a hundred different directions, convincing us that if we just run a little deeper, push a little further, try a little harder, we will finally arrive. But at what cost? Our souls weren’t made for this kind of frantic striving. And yet, how often do we find ourselves caught up in it—exhausted, overwhelmed, unsure of how to move forward? It is in moving slowly that we can truly see, hear, and experience the good God is up to in our lives.
Let me ask you a question: which is more intimate, a candlelight dinner or a drive-through window? Of course, the candlelight. Slowing down not just your schedule or a meal but your heart and your mind allows one to see the music and the rhythms of the Kingdom, to hear the voice of God and experience his validating presence in our lives. I remember hearing one time, “When I am busy, the Father is quiet.”
It's in the quiet moments that is when and where we are invited to be still and know. God wants us to experientially know that you are seen, wanted, belong … that you are loved, even more, you are in love, and love is the most validating thing in the universe.
It’s in the stillness that we find our way. Where? Home.
It's in the hurry, the fast pace, the drive-through life that the voices of anxiety, fear, and isolation that feel all-consuming run us down and convince us we aren’t wanted, valuable, or loved. Slowing down isn’t easy. Everything in this world tells us to do the opposite. Keep moving. Keep producing. Keep proving.
And here’s the truth: when we let go of control, be still, and get quiet … we are in the best place to allow him to validate us, guide us to who we truly are in the Kingdom, and he will.
Our part? Rising to the challenge of hearing those unwanted voices, seeing where they come from in our story, and shutting them down, hitting pause on the noise long enough to hear the validating words God has to say, show us, or even intimately ask us in the candlelight.
The way forward is not found in more effort, but in more surrender. Let your soul breathe today. Be still. Listen. The One who holds the whole course in his hands lovingly wants to validate you, guide you … love you … let him, step by step. I invite you to let Him.
As you ponder all this today, consider asking God:
Father, where in my life am I striving instead of trusting? Where am I running ahead of You instead of walking with You?
Jesus, what does it look like for me to slow down and listen for Your voice today?
Holy Spirit, give me the courage to release control and follow your lead, even when it feels uncertain. What do you want to say to me, tell me, show me, or invite me to in this quiet moment?
