Two Steps for You to ‘Be Still’ and Silent:
As we become silent, we have two aims:
1. Remove external distractions.
First, it is important to remove distractions. Life can be fast-paced. We may be overwhelmed with busyness and activities. We may feel we can’t slow down. Our busyness can get in the way of having time alone. Find a specific time and place for solitude. Turn off any distracting noise in the background. Take the time to experience God’s presence.
2. Silence internal distractions.
Second, besides removing outside distractions, it is essential to silence our inner being. That is, banish all the thoughts within us that pull our attention away. If something needs to be taken care of later, write it down and then forget about it for now.
The pressures of life too easily divert our attention from focusing on the things of God. Tune out the inner noise of worries and distractions. Tune out the inner cacophony of diversions.
We not only seek to be still, but we also want to know him better. “Be still, and know that I am God,” he said. (Psalm 46:10) By quieting ourselves, our body, and mind, we can better commune with him. We become tranquil because we can sense God is near. His promptings are gentle.
Be receptive to him, willing to listen. He speaks to us by his Holy Spirit. We learn of his righteous ways. We receive his assurance of how he wants us to live. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)
When we prepare our heart, we may need to examine our inner attitudes that hinder our prayers. The psalmist David said, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.” (Psalm 66:18–19)
Could it be that our prayers are empty and lifeless because of our disobedience? Or maybe there are bitter or resentful feelings toward others. Quietly, God shows us where we have been found lacking in our Christian walk. We humbly confess our sins to him.
Set Aside Time for Prayer in Stillness
For us to grow and mature as Christian disciples, we must set aside time regularly for prayer and reflection. Let’s examine our daily and weekly routine. Look for habits that waste time and habits that don’t help our intentions. Which of the following gets in the way of having our personal devotional and prayer time? Is it setting aside time, being consistent, finding a quiet place, or another obstacle? When we commit to change our routine and take time to sit in silence before God, we will grow to be more spiritually mature believers.
-Excerpted from Deborah Nayrocker's article - Encouragement to be Still and Know God's Love on Crosswalk.com
Need to focus more on a consistent prayer life? Download our FREE 31-Day Prayer Guide through Romans to help get yourself back on track today.
Photo credit: ©SalemWebNetwork