Be Still
You might wonder why finding stillness is so important in our busy lives. If you’re like me, you’ve probably felt overwhelmed by the constant changes and demands of life. Whether it’s the start of a new school year, the hustle of daily routines, or the uncertainty of the future, it’s easy to feel restless and disconnected from God. But what if I told you that stillness is the key to reconnecting with Him and finding peace amidst the chaos?
In our recent church retreat, we experienced the blessing of stepping out of our comfort zones and connecting with each other in new ways. This experience reminded me of the importance of being present and still before God. Today, I want to share with you how the book of Zechariah teaches us to find stillness and trust in God’s promises, even when life feels overwhelming.
The Main Point: Trusting in God’s Promises
In Zechariah 2:10-13, we see God’s people returning to the promised land after 70 years of exile in Babylon. They faced the daunting task of rebuilding the temple and their lives from scratch. Despite the hardships and uncertainties, God commanded them to “shout and be glad” because He promised to dwell among them. He also instructed them to “be still” and trust in His presence and promises.
This passage highlights a crucial lesson for us: We need to trust in God’s promises and find stillness in Him, especially when life is challenging. When we focus on God’s promises and remember His faithfulness, we can find peace and strength to face any situation.
Why You Should Care
You might be wondering, “What’s in it for me?” Here’s why this matters: In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s presence and become overwhelmed by our circumstances. By finding stillness and trusting in God’s promises, you can experience His peace and guidance in your life. This stillness allows you to reconnect with God, gain clarity, and find the strength to navigate life’s challenges.
Action Steps to Take
Remember God’s Promises: Take time to reflect on the promises God has made in the Bible. Write them down and meditate on them daily. Some key promises to remember include:
Salvation: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Presence: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Find Stillness: Set aside time each day to be still before God. This could be through prayer, meditation, or simply sitting in silence. Use this time to listen to God and reflect on His promises.
Trust in God’s Timing: Just like the Israelites faced delays and challenges in rebuilding the temple, you might encounter obstacles in your life. Trust that God’s timing is perfect and that He is working for your good, even when things don’t go as planned.
Stay Connected with Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and support you in your journey. Share your struggles and victories with them, and pray for one another.
Conclusion
The point is, God wants you to find stillness in Him and trust in His promises. When you do, you’ll experience His peace and guidance in your life. So, what will you do this week to find stillness and reconnect with God? Will you take time to remember His promises, be still before Him, and trust in His timing?
Prayer
Father, we come to You today seeking stillness in our hearts and minds. Help us to remember Your promises and trust in Your faithfulness. Give us the strength to be still before You and find peace in Your presence. Guide us in our daily lives and help us to stay connected with You and our community. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.