STILLNESS

Learning to Let Go, Slow Down, and Listen

In a world that thrives on hurry, distraction, and noise, stillness has become a lost art, yet it remains a sacred invitation. God’s Word reminds us that it is in stillness that we find God.

This study walks through the barriers that often steal our peace, such as anxiety, distraction, fear, and spiritual resistance, and shows how Scripture calls us back to quiet trust. Through reflection, meditation, and the example of Jesus Himself, Stillness offers a path to deeper peace and intentional presence with God.

You will be invited to stop striving, listen more closely, and rest in the truth that God is already at work, for He is calling you to be still and know.

THE INVITATION TO STILLNESS

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Raphah  (רָפָה) (Pronounced: rah-fah)

Primary meaning: to sink, relax, let go, cease, become weak

Biblical usage: Often translated as “be still,” “relax,” “let go,” or “abandon striving.”

When was the last time you truly felt still?

Is there anything you need to ‘let go’ of today to experience stillness?

THE ENEMIES OF STILLNESS

Luke 10:41–42 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Matthew 6:31–33 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Mark 4:19 But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

1 John 2:15–17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Zechariah 7:11–12 But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the Lord of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets.

Hebrews 3:7–8 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.’

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Which enemy of stillness do you feel most often creeps into your life — anxiety, distraction, worldliness, accusation, stubbornness, or fear?

When have you felt the enemy trying to steal your peace the most?

OUR RESPONSE TO THE ENEMIES OF STILLNESS

Isaiah 30:15 For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling.

Philippians 4:6-8 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

James 4:7–8 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Which truth from God’s Word today most strengthens your heart against distractions?

How can you intentionally shift your focus when you start to feel anxious or distracted?

JESUS OUR EXAMPLE

Luke 5:16 “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”

Mark 4:38 “But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?'”

Matthew 14:23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

What would it look like for you to build regular ‘withdrawal moments’ into your life like Jesus did?

REFLECTION

Zechariah 2:13 Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Psalm 62:5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

As you meditate on ‘Be still and know that I am God,’ what is God saying to your spirit?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.