More From Julie Sipe

In the meditation based on Psalm 46:10 that I submitted to The Upper Room, I explained how God had opened my eyes one day to the opportunities of rest that I sometimes overlook.  As a full time high-school teacher, a mother of two young boys, a lay servant in my church, and someone who has many other roles that I play on a daily basis, I have always struggled with resting.  Part of it may also be an inherited trait that I see in my mother and remember watching in my grandfather.  We are busy bodies!

In the time that followed the news of my publication, I began to think more often and deeper about my own message.  I manage a public Christian group on Facebook called “Words for Thought” that I started a few years ago.  On it I share various lessons, thoughts, and messages that God blesses me with.  A month after receiving the news of the publication of my meditation, I was looking back through the posts on Facebook and found one based on the same scripture as today’s meditation.  I would like to share it with you today with the hope that it will help you be able to rest a little easier, especially during these very difficult times!

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

The dictionary/concordance in my Bible defines the word still as “without sound; without motion.” Personally, I struggle with this definition because it is difficult for me to be those things mentally and physically at the same time. Being a multi-tasker or a busy body makes it hard for me to stay in one place and stay quiet without catching myself looking around and thinking about all of the things I could be doing.

Yes, being still is important, but for me, the rest of the verse above—knowing he is God—is a higher priority. And along the way in my spiritual journey, my understanding of my relationship with God and the ways in which we communicate with each other has deepened. I have come to accept and appreciate the fact that I can be still in either the physical or mental sense, but not both simultaneously. And that’s okay!

I am able to be still physically when I am in worship, prayer, or devotional time. With my body at rest, it is easier to completely focus my mind, heart, and soul on God and God’s word. On the other hand, I achieve mental stillness when I am running or crocheting. My body is busy in motion so I feel productive, which allows my mind to be free of worries, thoughts, and concerns and be receptive to whatever the Lord has for me to hear.

Knowing God and the best ways for you to grow in your own personal relationship with him is vital. If you can relate to the struggle I’ve described and have had a tough time being still in any way, I encourage you to try focusing on one aspect of stillness at a time. Experiment with some tasks you do on a regular basis that have become second nature, and see if doing them can better connect you mentally. Also take advantage of your moments of physical stillness throughout the day to read a verse of the day or lift up prayer requests to our God. Doing so will strengthen your line of communication with God, and ultimately help you to know God and God’s love a little more each day.