The Lost Art of Stillness: Part 1

Have you ever considered that our greatest need is stillness?

In our wildly accelerating world, our lives are perpetually overloaded, chaotic, and noisy. The demands of daily life, coupled with our devices constantly informing, entertaining, and distracting us, lead us to a place of endless inner buzz.

We become increasingly desperate to slow down, unplug, and seek quiet—but find it foreign and elusive. 

Did God intend that we push stillness out of our lives to the degree that we no longer experience His presence? That we love and serve the god of busy instead of Him?

Without a smartphone, even Jesus had need to turn off the noise and rest His mind for a while. He often withdrew Himself from people and the world to rest and pray. He encouraged His disciples to do the same.

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. 

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. (Mark 6:30-32, 45-47) 

Perhaps we should learn from His example . . .

There has never been a greater need to slow down and give ourselves permission to be quiet. In the stillness of time alone with God we find Him. He renews our strength. He fills us with His peace. We hear His still small voice.

We emerge revitalized to carry on, living life as He intended—in the joy and refreshing of His presence.

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton