If you’ve just begun a hectic week…
If you’re struggling with staff issues at work…
If you’re tired…
If you’re starting to understand that ministry buzzword, “burnout” on a new level…
If you’re debating whether or not you have time to read this blog due to your schedule…
…this, my friend, is for you. And it’s worth your time. Read on.
As pastors, it seems there is always a crisis, always competing areas for attention, always a cacophony of voices to be heard, always ministry to address. So, taking a step back from all of the noise, ask yourself at this moment: Whose voice is the loudest in my life?
It can be a serious struggle to proclaim God’s truth, to shine the light of Christ, and to continue to manage ministry within the polarized world we face when we ourselves are not soaking in God’s presence the most, first and foremost. It’s one of those areas we know we should be spending more time in, but are we really convinced when we let other items win out in our schedules?
We invite you to take a moment to step away from the noise, anxiety, and any other emotion you may be feeling right now. Be still with God. Be still and listen to the voice of your heavenly Father who loves you, cares for you, and knows every minute detail of your needs.
Are you willing to commit the next 5 minutes to God? If so, here is a five-point process to guide your time of sinking into God’s Word and His presence:
Be still with God
Sit comfortably, with your feet flat on the ground, and your hands resting comfortably on your lap. Gently notice your breathing as you become still.
Read God’s Word
Slowly read aloud a passage of Scripture. Here is one to get you started! Psalm 46 (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.
When you are ready, close your eyes and slowly pray these words: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Do this eight times, and each time you repeat the phrase, leave off the last word.
For example:
Be still, and know that I am God
Be still, and know that I am
Be still, and know that I
Reflect and listen.
Each time you pray the phrase, pause and listen. Reflect on what God might be saying to you or talk with God about what comes up for you. Reflect on one area of your life where you need to be still and know that He is God.
Rest in God.
As you come to the end of this time, rest in who God is and give thanks — treasure this time with God.
Additional Tips
- Don’t rush. There is no need to speed through any of these steps. Oftentimes, the longer you spend in each one, the more benefit you’ll receive from it.
- You aren’t looking for a preconceived experience or outcome. You are simply inviting the Lord to commune with you and paying attention to His presence.
- Find a time and place where it is quiet and you will not be interrupted (closet, car, park, etc.).
- Have paper and pen handy to write down your experience, journal thoughts and prayers, and to be able to document the ways you see God at work in these quiet times.