Devotion: Stillness
Stillness
Please review the scripture from the weekend: Psalm 46:1-11
“I’m too busy.” I find myself thinking that multiple times every week, and what’s most frustrating is I know it’s my own fault. My evenings and weekends fill up so quickly with plans I could say no to but don’t. Even when I don’t have plans, I fill my time with reading or watching movies. None of these things are necessarily bad, but the point is I never find myself taking time to just be. With so much entertainment and connectivity always available, I’ve forgotten how to really spend time with my own mind. This is even worse for me when I’m stressed or upset. The distractions of plans or entertainment offer short-lived but effective comfort. I imagine many people can relate to this.
The problem is that when we keep ourselves so busy, we’re not opening ourselves to receive God’s refuge, which provides a more stable and lasting comfort than any distractions. Studies show there are many benefits to “boredom” (seriously, look it up!), but as Christians, this should be our #1 reason for taking time to be still and quiet. Our world is often tumultuous, violent and scary, but Psalm 46 assures us that God is accessible to us through earthquakes, storms and wars–literal and metaphorical. All of life’s other plans and amusements may distract from our stresses, but they also distract from God’s comforting presence.
This isn’t meant to be a takedown of technology and busyness. Technology is a tool that can actually help us grow in faith if used intentionally, and we were built to be in community. And I’m certainly not saying truly feeling God’s presence is as easy as setting down our phones every once in a while. It’s a lifestyle change, and that requires a lot of intentionality and practice. God knows I’m not near where I want to be. But I truly believe that God is in the practice and doesn’t expect perfection, only heartfelt effort.
Heavenly Father, help us be more intentional in taking time in quiet and stillness and even boredom. Thank You for always being accessible to us, and forgive us for so rarely taking the time to find and feel You. Amen.
Written by Preston Thiemann
Preston Thiemann and his wife, Rachel, live here in Lincoln. He is the Web Content Coordinator for the ASEM Marketing team at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he’s worked since April 2015. At Sheridan, he also plays guitar with the Praise Band and is active in Sheridan’s 20s & 30s group called Second Quarter.
In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with friends.