Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 30:15; Exodus 14:14; Hebrews 13:5
The Sign in the Store That Stopped Me
I was out shopping the other day, moving quickly through the aisles, when a picture caught my eye: “Be still and know that I am God.” I walked past it—but couldn’t shake it. It felt like the Holy Spirit whispering, You’re going to need this reminder. Often. So I turned around and bought it.
That simple sign exposed something deep in me. I started remembering all the times I did not obey God’s invitation to be still. Instead, I pushed, strategized, worried, lost sleep, and tried to fix things in my own strength. And when my effort didn’t work, I just worried harder—sometimes even after praying, and sometimes without praying at all. No surprise: I wore myself out.
When Prayer Turns Into Panic
Have you ever prayed and then, when nothing changed right away, assumed God was taking too long—or maybe not going to answer at all? We shift from prayer to anxiety, from anxiety to frustration, and sometimes even into anger. In that swirl, we forget God’s promises and start imagining worst‑case outcomes instead of God’s best.
Scripture reminds us: God will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). While we are “waiting on God,” it’s often true that God is waiting on us—to trust Him, to slow down, to stop trying to muscle through what only He can do. Our part is to bring what we can do, and then release what we cannot to the One who sees the whole picture.
Why Stillness Matters
I’m not saying being still is easy. It isn’t. Everything in our culture rewards hustling, fixing, managing, controlling. But striving without surrender rarely speeds things up; more often, it slows what God is forming in us. Stillness is not passivity—it’s active trust.
God is sovereign. He sees what we cannot. Whatever the situation is—He’s got it. Our rest is found in remembering who is in control.
“In quietness and trust shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
We may feel like quietness can’t help us, but anxiety and worry certainly don’t.
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
What Does It Mean to “Be Still”?
Being still is more than sitting in silence. It’s a posture: heart surrendered, mind anchored, spirit attentive. Here are some practical ways to practice it.
1. Pause & Breathe Prayer
When worry spikes, stop and take a slow breath. Pray, “Lord, I know You are God. I place this (name it) in Your hands.”
2. Anchor in Scripture
Keep verses where you’ll see them—mirrors, phone lock screen, dashboard, that new wall art you felt led to buy. Let God’s Word interrupt anxious thoughts.
- Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
- Isaiah 30:15 – “In quietness and trust shall be your strength.”
- Exodus 14:14 – “The LORD will fight for you; you need only be still.”
- Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
3. Do What You Can—Release What You Can’t
Make two columns: My Part and God’s Part. Act faithfully on what is yours; pray and release what is His. Revisit the list when anxiety returns.
4. Schedule Stillness
Set aside a daily or weekly time to be with God: read, pray, journal, sit in silence, listen. Consistency trains your heart to settle more quickly when storms come.
5. Ask for Help
Stillness grows in community. Ask a friend to pray with you, check in, or remind you of God’s promises when you start to spiral.
When Life Hurts
Whatever you’re facing—sickness, loss, financial struggle, work pressures, family stress—God invites you to stillness in Him. Stillness does not deny the reality of pain; it anchors us in the greater reality of God’s presence and power.
So today, if you feel overwhelmed, remember that sign in the store—and the God who prompted me to turn around. He’s saying the same to you: Be still. Let Me be God.
A Simple Prayer
Lord, You are God and I am not. I lay down my need to fix what I cannot fix. Teach me to be still, to trust Your timing, and to rest in Your presence. Fight for me where I cannot fight for myself. Thank You that You will never leave me or forsake me. Amen.
What helps you stay still when life feels out of control? I’d love to hear your practices and verses in the comments.
Weekly Wisdom 