Be Still and Know

I don’t know about you, but I struggle with busyness. I feel like I am always running hard, trying to keep up and barely meeting the next deadline. I spend so much of my time putting out fires, dealing with whatever issue is demanding my attention at the moment. I have trouble sitting still. I feel like I always must be doing something, so that I never waste a moment of time.  

Despite the busyness, I never get enough done. I have a running to-do list. This list is not about life goals, but rather, just ordinary tasks that I need to complete. Currently, my list has 65 entries, some of which, I am ashamed to say, date back at least two years! Clearly, something is wrong with my approach.

My mind is constantly filled with thoughts of the myriad of things that need to be accomplished and I find that way too often, I miss the moment and forfeit the joy of being with those I love. This mindset interrupts all that I do including the time I spend with God.

The Bible lets us know that our relationship with God is hindered by our busyness. In fact, Psalm 46:10 tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.” But how can we be still when there is so much to manage? God understands that the cares of life are real and burdensome. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28 to, “Come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” In Matthew 6:33-34 and again in Philippians 4:6-7, we are told not to worry with the concerns of this world, but instead to seek God first, pray about everything, and thank Him for all He has done. When we do these things, God promises to fulfill our needs and give us His peace that transcends our understanding and circumstances.

Lord, help us to learn to be still in your presence that we might know you. Remind us to seek you first as we begin each day. Thank you that we can trade our busyness and burdens for your peace and rest.