Taking Time to Be Still

It can be hard to sit back and be still. Some people will call us lazy if
we do this. Some will say we need to get going and take action. There are
times when we need to be still, though. There are times when we need to
wait for God’s leading and direction. There are times when we need to hold
back while God takes care of our battles for us.

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In this broken world, we are pushed to rush through life. Many of us feel
like there is always something we need to be doing, and like we have to
stay busy. But we can miss out on hearing God’s voice when we don’t slow
down and take time to be still. God wants to communicate with us, and it’s
easiest for us to listen to Him when we are quiet and still.

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Even though we might have a lot going on in our lives, it’s important that
we take some time to slow down, no matter what’s happening. Jesus invites
us to come to Him, to rest in His love and be refreshed in His presence
(Psalm 23:1-3; Matthew 11:28-30). Even though we want to make sure we’re
doing what we’re expected to do, and we don’t want to become irresponsible
or lazy, it could be that the things we think we need to do aren’t actually
God’s priorities for us. Remember that Jesus came so we could have
relationship with God. We need to take some time to just breathe, and
listen for God to speak. He communicates with us through His Spirit (who
lives inside Christians), His Word (the Bible), and His people (the
church), allowing us to hear the wonderful true story of Jesus’s rescue of
humanity through His death and resurrection. • Emily Acker

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• When do you feel rushed? God has compassion on you, and He is never in a
hurry. There’s enough time to take a deep breath, and rest in His love.
What are some practical ways you could take time to be still with God,
especially when life feels busy? (Luke 5:15-16)

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• God invites us to interact with Him through His Spirit, His Word (the
Bible), and His people. While spending time with other Christians is
important, why is it also important for us to spend time with God
individually?

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• Read Luke 10:38-42. What was Mary doing? What might it look like for us
to follow her example?

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Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when
people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Exod.14.13-Exod.14.14|Ps.62.5-Ps.62.8|Ps.37.7