Discover the Inner Stillness
"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). A deep inner knowing flows out of being still. After Jesus withdrew into lonely places and prayed, He had power to discern the Pharisees' thoughts and to say to the paralytic, "Get up and walk."
The Quakers spoke of an "inner stillness" and would be quiet before God to obtain a listening spirit. As we learn to be still and know God, the Holy Spirit gives an increased clearness to our thinking. His speaking, always gentle and deeply interior, provides us with grace, wisdom, and power to do His work.
Time in His presence also renews our strength. One Saturday night I went to bed feeling overwhelmed because of four uncompleted projects. When I awakened early on Sunday morning, I opened my Bible to Jeremiah 30 and read verse 22. "So you will be my people, and I will be your God." I began considering what it means for God to be my God. He is in charge of all I do. He provides the resources, time, ideas, and even the energy. In fact, He says we will lack nothing. As I stayed in His presence and became quiet before Him thinking on His promise to be my God, my rest returned.
The stress, burnout, and pressures of life disappear when we seek God until we find Him. The resulting tranquility of spirit is the true way to be renewed. We don't need a Florida vacation to find this inner rest, just an investment of time alone with the Lord.
Dear Lord God, thank You for the marvelous dividends that come when we spend time in Your presence.
"Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening" (I Samuel 3:9).
