May 21, 2025 Devo

I’m not good at being still, are you? I have things to do, people to talk to, sermons to work on, devotions to write, and emails to answer. “Still” doesn’t work well for me. I don’t think it works well for MANY of us. That’s probably why God calls us to do it! Stillness isn’t a burden that God wants to put upon us. It’s a Gift. It’s much like the gift He gave us in creating a Sabbath Day of rest. (We pretty much ignore that gift, too!) But those gifts are for a reason. It is God’s way of trying to connect with us. Calm us. Heal us. And it’s His way of protecting us from ourselves!
Be still and just BE WITH God for a while. We often think God is most pleased when we are busy for Him, but that’s not true. Oh, He’s grateful for our efforts. He’s proud of the ways that we use our gifts to serve, help, and lead. But God is MOST pleased when we just “abide” in Him. That means leaning into Him to connect with His heart, feel His Presence, and experience His Peace. Just like we enjoy the precious moments we get to be with our kids, catch up on life, and enjoy who they are, God loves that kind of time with US. It is sacred to Him.
Be still and just LISTEN. Do you ever have someone tell you they need your advice, but then THEY do all the talking? That’s how we are with God. Please hear my heart when I say this, but when you meet with God, you are definitely NOT the smartest one in the room. He is! Learn to quiet your soul and listen to His Spirit. Learn to open your heart as you open His word, and just let Him speak to you. Trust me when I say that what you have on your agenda for God is not nearly as important as what He has on His agenda for you!
Be still and just LET IT GO. Peter reminds us to “Cast all your cares upon God, because He cares about you.” Come before God with all your struggles, pain, and sorrow. You don’t have to say a word. God already knows what’s going on in your life and what’s deep in your heart. He understands your sighs and the nods of your head. The tears you shed in His Presence speak everything He needs to hear. Quietly weep before Him if you need to, and let Him comfort your heart. One of my more meaningful moments with God was when I was overwhelmed and came to Him in prayer. All I could utter was, “I need to know you’re near!” For the next several moments, I wasn’t a pastor, father, husband, or community leader. I was a child. And my Father wrapped His arms around me and just held me close. I believe those are the moments that are the most meaningful to God, too.
So today, if only for a moment, be STILL. Be still and know that God is for you, with you, hears you, and loves you. Be with Him. Listen to Him. And let it all go. That’s God’s Word for you today.