Tag: #bestill

His Whispers In Our Busyness

In the hustle bustle of a busy life, it is a challenge to discern the soft whispers of the Holy Spirit amidst the noise of the world. We are constantly moving from one place to another, juggling multiple tasks and assuming multiple roles at one time. Is it a wonder that we suffer from burnout and mental exhaustion?

God Speaks Differently than What We Expect

Elijah was expecting to hear God in the earthquake and fire, but God came in a whisper. In our noisy world, shouting the loudest to be heard seems obvious. But God wants us to quiet our hearts and lean in to Him to hear His soft whisper.

“And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” — 1 Kings 19:12 (KJV)

Busyness is the Modern Enemy of Hearing

Oftentimes, we wear “busyness” like a badge of honour, a sign of high productivity, even creativity. Eventually, it is through pain and suffering that we finally hear His voice, as that is when we stop struggling with our own futile efforts and finally surrender to Him. When our faith is attacked, or when our bodies break down, or when our relationships break up. Do we want to be so busy that we ignore God, neglect our health, and ruin our relationships? God asks us to pause.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

— Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

When We Listen, We Gain So Much

God reaches out to us every day in hundreds of little ways – from the morning sunrise, the friendly hello, the call you’ve been waiting for, the insight from a book or video – to enjoying a simple warm meal.

He constantly reminds us of who we are – beloved children of God. He orchestrates great plans for our lives. He picks us up with we fall. He nudges us many times when we are hesitant. He is always patient with us. He guides and leads us in the right path – under His plan, protection and blessings.

“Whether you turn to right or left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way…'” (Isaiah 30:21)

My Invitation

This is my invitation to you today: to intentionally pause, listen to God’s whispers and delight in His presence.

Permission to Pause: Taking a Break without Guilt

Do you dare to stop and pause?

Do you feel guilty when you take a break?

Do you need permission to enjoy a “me-time”?

I am kind of going through a funk, where I am doing a little above minimum and constantly procrastinating, then feeling guilty for not being productive and wasting time (scrolling through social media). I feel there are many things on my plate, big rocks and small pebbles, crowding my life. I spend almost as much time and energy attempting to do my work as avoiding them, especially when they don’t have urgent deadlines.

Rest is God’s Design

During this time, God is reminding me that He has established a time to work and a time to rest, just like what He did in the creation of the world. Our bodies are designed to rest after work, or it will break down and insist upon it. There is always enough time to do the work God has assigned to us. So if we are feeling overwhelmed, it is a sign that we are overloading ourselves with non-essential work and/or inundated with distractions.

“On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.”

— Genesis 2:2 (NLT)​

Jesus Invites us to Rest

In this hectic life, we are constantly striving. It has become a norm – we sometimes forget to ask what are we really striving for. Jesus is inviting us and giving us permission to take a break from the hustle bustle of life. He invites us to rest and trust in His providence, His protection and in His timing.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Stillness Reveals God’s Presence

In the midst of all the noise, it is only in the stillness that we can listen to the soft whisper of God’s voice. He wants us to be still in His presence. He wants us to experience Him in the stillness.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

— Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

My Invitation

This is my invitation to you today: give yourself permission to take a break without guilt, and be still in God’s presence as He refreshes your soul.