By: Dr. Peri Gilbert-Reed
Stillness is a struggle. And that struggle is real! It is so real for me that God has on a few occasions pressed me into stillness. I have learned from that pressing stillness that stillness can be a place of peace, a place where I, we, can meet God face to face.
My Stillest Moment
Fifteen years ago, I thought I was facing all the fortunes of life. I overcame an abusive relationship, was doing my dream job, and was financially stable for the first time in my life. I was either doing ministry, hanging with friends, going to camps, speaking, and whatever else could fill a minute. Everything was amazing until one day it wasn’t.
Although all my dreams were coming true, I still found myself with an unshakeable sadness. After a church staff meeting one day, I found myself in the Chick-fil-A parking lot eating my chicken sandwich in between my uncontrollable sobs. At that moment, I knew I needed help, and God created a path for me to receive it.
God Paved the Way for Me
I contacted my therapist, and I had a therapy appointment within the hour (almost unheard of in the therapy world). As I spilled out my tears, the therapist gently told me, “You are severely depressed. It would be beneficial for you to be on medication.” I knew she was right even though I did not like those words. I immediately called my doctor’s office knowing I would have to wait to get in. But God should up once more. The doctor’s office told me to come now. From there, God presented the hardest moment of this stillness: telling others.
I thought I could get the medicine, go home, and get ready for the mission trip I was to leave on in a couple of days. No one would be the wiser. Then I saw the number…my church office called telling me I needed to come back to help with a few things. Well, there was no hiding swollen eyes from hours of crying. I walked in and the truth came out. While it was hard to say, “I’m depressed” and forgo the mission trip, God knew stillness needed to be my next step.
Stillness certainly was not something that came naturally to me; it is now an active part of my life. Since beginning the active practice of stillness, I have been able to receive God’s gentle whispers of love, rest, and hope. I hope these tips will help you overcome the struggle of stillness. Offering you an opportunity to experience God in new and thriving ways.
Practicing Stillness
1. Mindfulness with Scripture
God encourages mindfulness within His word. Romans 12:2 (NIV) instructs, “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Additionally, Colossians 3:2 (NIV) reminds us to “Set your minds on things above.” Moreover, 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) conveys that “…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” When we are still, we can read and hear the truths God has for us without the distractions of the world around us allowing our body, heart, and mind to rest in Him.
2. Scheduling Rest
In today’s world if our calendar is not full, then we must be lazy! However, the busier we are, the more likely we are to rush through our time with God. Or even forgoing our time with God altogether. If we are not careful, we miss the invitation Matthew 11:28 (NIV) offers, “Come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” To ensure I am less likely to forgo time with God, I make it a habit to actually mark on my calendar “Take off here” or “NO WORK.” In doing so, I am less likely to stifle stillness.
3. Prayer
I am a believer in praying God’s word back to Him. I believe it honors God, and He rejoices knowing I am being still enough to “hide your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11, NIV). Romans 8:26 (NIV) reminds us, “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Sometimes we are at a loss for words, but we can hold on to His truths. God’s word has not changed for 2,000 years and it will not change today. Every word comes from the mouth of God and will not return void (Matthew 4:4, NIV).
While the struggle of stillness is real, we can shift the struggle to be an active practice to which we commit. Through mindfulness in God’s word, scheduling rest, and prayer, we allow ourselves to experience the power of stillness. An experience that reminds us “God is fighting for you; you need only be still” (Exodus 14:14, NIV).
Meet Dr. Peri Gilbert-Reed
Dr. Peri Gilbert-Reed is a therapist, speaker, and author. She has a passion for helping people experience a healthy spirituality allowing them to live the abundant life God calls everyone to have. She also enjoys time with her family, including a fifty-pound basset named Goliath. Visit her at peridotreed.com
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For ten years of my teaching career, I got up at 4:30 in order to enjoy the kind of blessed stillness with God you talk about here. It was NOT a hardship. I just went to bed earlier than most adults! God’s encouragement, instruction, and strength made the effort well worthwhile.
Nancy I do that too, even the early bedtimes when I can. I enjoy that time first thing so there are no distractions. ❤️
Love this!
Such good reminders! ❤️