As we prepare to close out the year…
If the weight of the past twelve months feels heavy…
If you’re reflecting on challenges you’ve faced and victories you’ve celebrated…
“Pray God’s Word Let your heart linger on verse 10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Pray these words slowly and intentionally.”
If you’re feeling the strain of ministry and wondering how you’ll carry it into a new year…
If your heart is longing for renewal before the clock resets…
Then, friend, this moment is for you. And it’s worth your time.
As pastors and ministry leaders, the constant demands can feel unrelenting. There’s always a crisis to handle, a sermon to prepare, a meeting to lead, or a voice clamoring for your attention. But let me ask you this: Whose voice is the loudest in your life right now?
In the midst of preaching God’s truth, shepherding His people, and navigating a polarized world, it’s easy to neglect our own souls. It’s easy to let the urgent overshadow the essential. We know we need to prioritize time in God’s presence, but too often, our schedules tell a different story.
So, take a moment. Step away from the noise, the anxiety, and the relentless demands. Be still. Be still and listen to the voice of your heavenly Father—the One who knows your weariness, your challenges, and your every need.
Five Minutes of Stillness: A Guided Time with God
Are you willing to commit the next five minutes to God? Let this simple process guide you into His presence: Be Still with God
Find a quiet place. Sit comfortably, with your feet flat on the ground and your hands resting in your lap. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Notice the rhythm of your breathing as you allow yourself to become still before the Lord.
Read God’s Word
Open your Bible and slowly read a passage of Scripture. Let it wash over you. Here’s a powerful starting point: Psalm 46:1-11 (NIV)
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 He says, “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 Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Pray God’s Word
Let your heart linger on verse 10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Pray these words slowly and intentionally. Use this simple exercise to guide your prayer:
• Be still, and know that I am God.
• Be still, and know that I am.
• Be still, and know that I.
• Be still, and know.
• Be still.
Pause after each phrase and allow the truth of God’s presence to settle in your soul.
Reflect and Listen
Take time to reflect. Where in your life do you need to truly be still and trust that He is God? What might He be speaking to you in this moment? Listen for His voice—not in the whirlwind of busyness but in the stillness of your heart. Write down anything that comes to mind as you reflect on His Word and His presence.
Rest in God
As you conclude this time, simply rest in who God is. He is your refuge and strength, your ever-present help. Give thanks for His faithfulness and treasure this moment of communion with Him.
Why This Matters
As ministry leaders, we often pour ourselves out for others while neglecting our own spiritual and emotional wellbeing. But the health of your ministry flows directly from the health of your soul. Jesus Himself modeled rhythms of rest and retreat. He often withdrew to quiet places to be with the Father, even in the midst of great need (Luke 5:16).
In the same way, your time with God is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s where you find the strength, wisdom, and peace to carry out the calling He has placed on your life.
So today, take the time to be still and know. Make it a habit, a rhythm, a priority. Your soul—and your ministry—will be better for it.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
