find time to be still

For Those Who Struggle to Find Time to Be Still

Time flies.

One minute, we’re packing for the beach and the next we’re Christmas shopping.

Day after day, our busy schedules propel us into the rush of life.  And yet, God calls us to rest in Him.

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

More often than not, it is the fear of slowing down that keeps us busy.  We don’t want to face the quiet and what it stirs in our souls.

Why We Must Be Still

In the midst of rushing around, you miss out on the intimacy with God that can transform you.

Busy hearts have blinders.  When we’re so caught up in our own schedules, we forget about those around us.  We forsake our duty to love others as we would love ourselves.  This is because we are not renewing our heart and mind in the presence of God.

Have you ever missed out on the opportunity to serve another because of a distracted heart?  I know I have.

Even on a Sunday morning at church, I have missed the chance to truly take a moment to ask how a friend is doing because I have a checklist of things I need to do before the morning ends.

Our lists are important, but loving others is our highest calling.  And how can we truly find time and energy to unexpectedly offer love to another if our hearts are too busy?

[bctt tweet="Our lists are important, but loving others is our highest calling." username="NicoleAKauffman"]

Slowing down in the presence of God is what centers your heart on what is most important.

Can you spare a few moments to slow down with God to hear where He wants you to be today?

 

How to Be Still When Our Minds Race

So maybe you’ve decided that it’s time to start slowing down.  But how do you really slow down?  Even in the quiet moments, your mind races with thoughts.

First, you must schedule a time with no distractions.  Whatever it takes, find the time.  It might only be ten minutes, or you might find thirty.  Either way, a scheduled time for you to quiet your mind is essential.

Second, pray.  Start out your time with a prayer.  Tell God your struggles with being quiet.  It’s okay if you find yourself struggling to truly be still at first.  Ask His help in stilling your mind and calming your heart.  He may not answer the very first time, but over time, you will find that you are learning to be still.  Don’t give up when the first few times you try.  God doesn’t expect immediate transformation, but He works to slowly change our hearts.

Next, find scripture.  It can be a bible reading plan or just a few verses to meditate on.  Bring God’s word into your quiet time and God will meet you there.

When I struggle to clear my mind, I instead fill it with something else.  I find a verse that has encouraged me and I repeat it over and over in my mind or out loud.  And soon, I find my mind settling on the peace of God.

Finally, seek God above all else.  Many of us come to God in this time to get something.  We want peace, relief from stress and anxiety or an answer to a prayer, but this time isn’t about you.

This time is about bringing your heart into God’s presence for the purpose of communion with Him. It is when we find intimacy with the Almighty God that our souls can finally find rest.

[bctt tweet="It is when we find intimacy with the Almighty God that our souls can finally find rest." username="NicoleAKauffman"]

Are you seeking to give your heart over to the Lord during your busy day?

Find a few minutes in your day to be still and your life will be radically transformed.

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find time to be still

25 Comments

  1. “Finally, seek God above all else.” I couldn’t agree more! Taking time to be still is one of my biggest struggles, and I tend to just want to check things off a list and “get things done.” I love that you give practical steps, yet bring it back to just seeking God and being in His presence.

  2. I wonder if part of difficulty in being still before God stems from not recognizing our worth in His eyes. We rush around with our projects and our service to Him, not really thinking that He notices our absence. Even when the motivation to take time out for ourselves isn’t strong enough to stem the tide of busyness and duty, perhaps the realization that we are robbing Him will. Thanks for this practical call back to sitting at His feet and gazing up adoringly into His face.

    1. I most definitely agree, when we seek to find our worth outside of God, we struggle to find rest. Beautiful point, Tiffany. Thanks for stopping by!

  3. Nicole, I’m so glad I sat still long enough to read through this message because it is definitly applicable to me. As much as I love crossing things off my list, I very much crave those times when I’m intentionally still and experience the fullness of God’s presence in my life. Thank you for sharing this insight and also for doing so on Fresh Market Friday. I’m so glad to have you here!! Welcome:)

    1. Crystal, that is great that you could find encouragement here! I definitely crave that still time with God too!

  4. Hi, Nicole! I’m so glad you shared this with us at Grace & Truth.
    I would like to feature your post at A Divine Encounter on Friday, but the rules require a featured post to link back to the blog of one of the hostesses. It’s very possible that I missed your link back; if so, or if you’d like to add one, let me know and I will be glad to feature this post for my readers.

    1. Hello, Jennifer. Thank you for your interest in featuring my post on your blog! I’ve added a link to the post and I would love to be featured on A Divine Encounter. Thank you πŸ™‚

  5. Nicole so glad I stopped by from #FreshMarketFriday! I wrote about this topic too this week! Finding that time to be still is so important as we seek to follow Jesus. So glad to have connected-blessings as you follow Him!

    1. It’s great to meet you, Jill! And yes, your post is a wonderful reminder to be extra vigilant in being still and listening to God as the holidays approach! Thanks for visiting πŸ™‚

  6. Bless you for this all too important reminder for me. I am semi-retired yet still manage to be too busy for that which is vital to my spiritual walk. I just prayed a bit earlier to be still so that I will know my God. Yes, that is the key! And the rest of your great ways are parts and pieces of the building blocks for my relationship with the Almighty.

    1. Thank you for stopping by, Linda! Taking time to be still can be so hard, but you’re right, it is so vital. Nice to meet you! πŸ™‚

  7. Amen Nicole! Such a pleasure to visit you for the first time via G&T. You are a talented writer with a heart for God. It shines through in your words. I love all your tips. The first one is the key. If we do not prioritize our time with God. It will get lost in the chaos of life. We need those moments to keep us centered on His will. Thank you for sharing these poignant thoughts. Have a wonderful weekend and may God bless you and yours!

    1. Oh yes, priority is so crucial. It’s easy to get sucked into our busy days and forget to seek God. Thank you for your kind words πŸ™‚ It’s great to meet you!

  8. This is a message for my heart, Nicole! It is something I have battled for most of my life. I’m a doer and that doesn’t lead to stillness! However, the last year I have found myself sick. It stopped me in my tracks and although it lead to much frustration, I can see where God has opened my eyes to so much that I would have missed before! Thank you so much for sharing this sweet hope at #MomentsofHope!
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

    1. I’m so glad you were able to find encouragement here! God loves to use our trials to bring us closer to Him, doesn’t He? A blessing amidst our pain that brings us hope. Thank you so much for stopping by, Lori! πŸ™‚

  9. Busy hearts have blinders! I love that. I’m reading “Invitation to Solitude and Silence” right now and this post is a perfect pairing to that message. Visiting from #searchingformoments

    1. Yes, it is amazing how much we miss out on when we are busy! Such an invitation to slow down and seek God. Thank you for visiting, Angela!

  10. love that line: our lists are important but loving others is our highest calling. Great reminders, all. I begin most days in Boa’s Face to Face – Scripture written in the first person meant to be read in five min. Blessings on your rest-filled day! next to you at Loris’s this morning in CA

    1. Thank you, Sue! Beginning our days in Scripture is a great way to find rest in our souls. It is great to meet you πŸ™‚

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