“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10
Stillness is a challenge for most of us. Especially the hyperactive among us, or those of us with young kids. The moments I get to be still, I’m inclined to fall asleep.
Yet being still is not merely a suggestion. It’s essential to the good life.
When we’re still we can train ourselves to escape the tyranny of the urgent. We can quiet the part of our brain that obsesses about small things. If we sit in the stillness long enough, our deeper brain kicks in; the part of us that knows stuff—meaningful stuff; stuff like an abiding awareness that the God of the universe is present…and working with us for our good. And that seems important to remember, doesn’t it?
Further, when we are still, it’s far easier to see, know, and walk the path marked out for us. When I’m frantic, every path seems plausible. My brain is more easily influenced by the noise around me. When I’m still, the right path, or better path seems to come into focus.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you.” Romans 12:2
Some religious people seem to act like God “transforms” their minds because they checked a box at church, or read a verse on their phone, or simply because they already believe the “right” things about God. That’s naive (and self-righteous).
What if the ever-present God already dwelling in you is wanting to transform your life day by day, moment by moment, but you’re ignoring him because you think you already understand him? What if this mysterious God with transformative power is as close as “stillness”… and you’re missing Him?
And… what if tapping into the “desires of your heart” that He already put in you is more transformative than believing “right” things or voting “right” ways?
Maybe we only find out in the difficult and dangerous moments when we abandon our shallow mind and wade into the depths of meaningful connection and awareness beneath.