In a previous post, we looked at the scripture in Psalm 46:10 that says,

“Be still and know that I am God! I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth”

and we discussed one aspect of How to be still in God’s presence but now we are going to take a look at it from another angle.

But before we continue, let’s do a quick recap: being still according to different versions of the bible says it means we as God’s children, are to stop fighting, cease striving, and desist; and to the enemy it says stop! Threaten no more! Stop fighting, cease striving, and desist from attacking my people.

It says to God’s children, to you and me, be calm, tremble no more, snap out of it, wake up and stop fearing; lay down your weapons and trust God for the victory, believing that it will come in His perfect timing and according to his flawless plan.

Being Still In God’s Presence: What Else Could It Mean?

To be still in God’s presence can mean just that – being still in His presence. When we spend time with God in prayer, the mistake we often make is that we do all the talking without taking time to listen to what God has to say to us in response. We make it a one way communication instead of a dialogue. We monopolize the entire time and leave no room for God to speak to us.

According to the English dictionary, “still” is defined as not moving or making a sound, and deep silence and calm. That’s it! That’s what we are to do at times when we come into the presence of God: calm our bodies, quiet our minds, maintain silence, and listen. And I say at times because it doesn’t mean that this is the only thing we do in God’s presence, but remember, we are only talking about how to practice stillness. There are other things we can do when we spend time with God.

So being still in His presence is a way for us to make listening to God speak to us a priority. It’s a time when we put aside our own requests and desires and just come in His presence saying, “Lord, here I am, speak to me.” We come in His presence with one agenda, and one agenda only, to be quiet and listen to Him speak. God has A LOT he wants to say to us if only we will be still and listen. Psalms 37:7 says

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”

Even Jesus would often withdraw from everyone to pray (See Luke 5:16).

Some Practical Ways To Be Still In God’s Presence?

Before you begin, grab a journal and a pen that you will take with you into His presence. (Any journal or notebook will do; it doesn’t have to be anything fancy). Yes you need it!

Then pray and invite the Holy Spirit to prepare your spiritual ears and heart to hear, receive, and discern what the Lord will be speaking to you. Ask Him to help you quiet your mind because the enemy will try to distract you by bombarding your thoughts, but the Holy Spirit can help you hold every thought captive and bring it into the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

The way I do it is to go to a quiet place and just sit or lay still and listen to what He has to say to me. Most of the time, I would have a soft instrumental soaking worship music playing in the background (you can find many of them on YouTube) but if it becomes a distraction, I turn it off and just simply sit in quietness.

Some people find it easier to go for a walk with God; others might prefer to be out in nature, taking in the beauty of God’s creation. It’s really up to you how you choose to spend this ‘still’ time in His presence.

Even during your lunch break at work, you can go to your car or simply away from others in the break room and just sit and listen to God speak.

I asked my friend and other half, Lola, how she practices stillness in God’s presence, and here’s what she said: “I sit in my room and breathe or drive in the car and just sit there.” “Literally all I do is ask the Lord what do You want from me today?” “Sometimes I do it in the bathroom, as long as the kids aren’t around and I’m not hearing other people speak. Usually it’s about 5-10 minutes.”

The key thing to remember is that you can practice being still before the Lord wherever you are. Another key thing to remember is that the amount of time you choose to spend is up to you, based on the time you have available. What matters the most to God is your heart. He sees your heart and intention and best-believe that He will meet you wherever you are.

You will be amazed at all the things God has to say to you; and also you will come out feeling refreshed, reenergized, and relaxed. The bible says

“He will make known to us the path of life; in His presence is fullness of joy; in His right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalms 16:11).

Lastly, be sure to write down anything you feel the Lord spoke to your heart; it may be just a word, a phrase, or an entire sentence, w-r-i-t-e i-t d-o-w-n!

So, I want you to give it a try, pick a time to be still in God’s presence today, and then do it again tomorrow, and the day after, and before you know it, it will become a daily routine, a habit, something that becomes a part of you, and you will not regret it.

Until next time, remember, keep your hope in God for He loves you and has promised to never leave you nor forsake you! Be sure to also read How Do I Hear God For Myself