Psalm 46 :10 is one of my favourite scripture passages in which the psalmist declared, that no matter what was happening around him, God was his refuge and strength. Safe in the assurance that he is God, we can wait on him even amid chaos. He is still on his throne.
As a woman of faith, I lean into these words often. Let me tell you why.
In today’s fast-paced and constantly connected world, the concept of stillness may seem foreign to many of us. We are often surrounded by noise, distractions, and the relentless urge to keep moving, keep talking, and keep seeking validation from those around us and in the digital realm. However, the wisdom found in Psalm 46:10 urges us to embrace stillness and find solace in faith.
The words “be still” carry a profound message that resonates with the essence of mindfulness and spiritual tranquility. They invites me to pause, to cease my striving, and to release the need for constant activity. In a world filled with chatter and overwhelming stimuli, being still requires a conscious effort to quiet my mind and heart.
The scripture encourages me, in my mind’s eye, to stop talking, switch off my phone, stop commenting, listen, stop arguing, stop questioning, stop moaning. These actions are not merely about physical stillness but also about attaining a state of inner peace and receptivity. By silencing the external and internal clamor, I create space to listen – not only to others but also to my own thoughts and emotions.
Furthermore, the verse prompts me to know – stop doubting, be sure, have faith, study it out, and to stop seeking second , third and fourth opinions. This call to know is an invitation to deepen my faith and understanding. It encourages me to seek knowledge, wisdom, and insight with unwavering certainty. Instead of dwelling in doubt or seeking constant validation from others, I am urged to cultivate a steadfast belief in the divine guidance that surrounds me.
The verse also offers a profound reflection on God’s nature: God is almighty, knows all things, is my king, my hope, refuge, and fortress. He is ever-present help in times of crisis. He is my father, my shepherd to lead, nourish, protect and restore. These powerful descriptions paint a vivid picture of God’s unwavering presence in my life. It reminds me that amidst life’s storms and uncertainties, I can find strength and refuge in my faith.
Embracing stillness allows me to connect with the divine within me. It opens the door for introspection, contemplation, and a deeper understanding of my purpose. As I quiet my mind and heart, I create space for spiritual nourishment and restoration.
This feeling of stillness touches every aspect of my life. When I am in this state, I am calm and purposeful. The opposite happens when I fail to align myself to this space. I feel anxious, unfocused and unable to move forward in any way. This past year has been great in so many ways. My family is well and my quilt shop, Nuts For Bolts etc. has been very busy and successful. My coaching practice has grown and I have spent this past year refining and strengthening my depth of experience and knowledge of coaching.
On the flip side, there has been a lack of balance in my…my mind and sense of completeness. My father passed away after a long and very sad battle with dementia and now I am knee deep with my mother at 91, having similar struggles. I would do anything for my parents, but I realized that I was not attending to myself. I had not been seeking the stillness and closeness to my soul, my spirit, that I needed to stay afloat. With that realization has come an overwhelming desire to nourish me, to fill me, and to care for me. I have sought out the stillness, the solace that I know I can find through my faith, and I am being fed. I am becoming calm and experiencing peace. I have missed it! And now that I am in this space, I am content to be me! I have found stillness and knowledge…. I have connected with myself. We are complete only when mind, body and soul are aligned.
