Sometimes, I have a hard time sitting still. Between working full-time, taking doctoral classes, teaching online classes, being a wife, and balancing a social life with family and friends, my margin for rest can seem anywhere from limited to non-existent. I can easily believe the lie that because I have so much to do, I do not have the time to rest. In fact, to rest is to get behind, and to get behind is to fail.

However, this faulty train of thought instead causes burnout. I know because I’ve followed it to the end a couple times. But God has graciously given me the chance to come back and relearn this same lesson until I can gain a better understanding of it.

Humans were not made to operate out of self-sufficiency. We were not made to balance the world on its axis, nor to be everything to everyone. This is too heavy a burden to bear.

However, we were made to be in a relationship with God. This relationship necessitates an understanding of dependency: God as Creator and humans as creation. We were made to walk with God, and in doing so, we were made to depend on Him. This dependence requires recognition, and one way we practice that recognition is being still before Him.

What the Bible Says About Being Still (Even When Everything in You Wants to Move)

Scripture illustrates the practice of stillness and the rewards of stillness in different contexts. God designed us to be still with humility before Him in expectation of His works. We are rewarded with His very self and reasons to give Him praise, such as provision, peace, and strength.

For example, in Psalm 46:10 (NIV), we see the psalmist remarking on the works of God: “[God] says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” The psalmist takes the crucial time to reflect on God’s identity, remembering who God is as Sovereign Creator and to declare His well-deserved praises. In doing so, he remembers his position as it relates to God, causing him to take a posture of humility.

In Exodus 14, after just having been freed from slavery in Egypt, the people of God got word that the Egyptians were coming after them in the desert. When they complain of their potential demise to Moses, he urges them not to be afraid: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only be still” (Exodus 14:14, NIV). The Lord acts by parting the Red Sea, rescuing the Israelites, and destroying the Egyptian army. In being still and trusting God, they saw God work to lead them and to bring about the best for them.

Another example can be found in Isaiah 26. In this text, Isaiah is prophesying about future events in Israel’s history and how the nations will respond. God describes Judah one day singing a song that says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3, NIV). Should the people of God be still in their steadfastness of mind and trust Him in every circumstance and hardship, God will steward their trust and give them peace.

What Happens When You Actually Stop and Be Still

Now that we’ve explored biblical examples of stillness, let's consider the benefits and effects of practicing stillness in our own lives.

It Resets Our Perspective

Being still before the Lord offers us a fresh start. Just as the Psalmist humbled himself before God, we, too, can adopt a posture of humility, approaching God with praise and repentance alike. In these still moments, we experience the practical outworking of Christ’s forgiveness as we release sin and shame to Him. And, in the process, we find the clarity we need to walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit.

It Realigns Our Focus

Stillness invites us to be guided in a new direction. When the Israelites were afraid of the Egyptian army, their initial reaction was limited to their circumstances—they only saw death. However, when they were still before God, He opened their eyes to see Him working in a different way by parting of the Red Sea. Similarly, when we intentionally pause before the Lord, we gain the discernment we need to see past our immediate problems and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us toward the good He has in store.

It Rejuvenates Our Souls

Stillness before the Lord refreshes our weary spirits. When life’s circumstances overtake our vision, we are often tempted to fall back into self-reliance and fear. Yet, as we practice stillness before God, He transforms our hearts and minds, filling us with renewed vitality, joy, and confidence. By remembering His faithfulness, we trade our anxiety for His peace and rest.

Practicing stillness before the Lord is a powerful, accessible habit for us all. We are invited to rest in Him, knowing that the rewards—trust, peace, and renewed strength—are worth the pause. Let’s choose to take that time this week, setting aside our busyness to simply be still and watch Him work.

If you liked this article, check out the related resources linked below!

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Author Bio

Leslie Williams writes with a passion for helping women grow in their knowledge of Scripture and confidence in their faith. She teaches online as an adjunct professor at Liberty University and holds an MDiv in Pastoral Counseling. She is currently a PhD student in the Theological Studies program at Liberty Theological Seminary. In her free time, Leslie enjoys reading, running, and meaningful conversations over coffee.

Related Resources:

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