Category Archives: Be Still Before God

Mar19

Lord, What’s Next? Learning to Follow in Faith

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"Lord, what will You have me to do?" – Acts 9:6 (KJV)

When Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, his entire world changed in an instant (including his name!). In awe and humility, he asked the most important question anyone can ask the Lord: “Lord, what will You have me to do?” Notice Jesus’ response—He didn’t give Paul a full blueprint of his life’s mission. Instead, He simply told him, “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:6, NIV). One step. That was it.

If you’re like me, you probably want to see the entire roadmap before you take the first step. We like certainty, clear plans, and guarantees. But often, God operates differently—He only illuminates the very next step, asking us to trust Him for the rest.

Paul, later known as the apostle to the Gentiles, would go on to spread the Gospel across nations, write much of the New Testament, and suffer greatly for Christ. But at that moment, all he knew was to go into the city and wait. He obeyed, and as he took that first step of faith, God revealed the next. Then the next. And the next. Step by step, Paul followed, and looking back, we can see how God’s hand guided every part of his journey.

Perhaps you’re in a season of uncertainty. The path ahead seems dark, and you’re desperately wanting God to show you the full picture before you take another step. But what if, instead, He’s asking you to trust Him for just the next step? What if He is waiting for your obedience in the small things before He reveals more?

Looking back on your own faith journey, you may see a winding, zig-zagging path, but you will also see the unmistakable hand of God leading you. Even when you didn’t understand, He was there. Even when you felt lost, He was guiding. And He is still guiding you now.

So, if you’re wondering what to do next, ask Him as Paul did: “Lord, what will You have me to do?” Then, be still and listen. He will show you the next step, and as you step forward in faith, He will illuminate the path ahead—one step at a time.

A Prayer for Trusting God’s Guidance

Heavenly Father, I come to You with a heart that is seeking direction. Like Paul, I ask, “Lord, what will You have me to do?” I trust that You have a plan for my life, even when I can’t see the full picture. Give me the faith to take the next step, knowing that You will lead me every step of the way. Help me trust in Your perfect timing and rest in the assurance that You are in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflect on These Verses:

  • “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
  • “We walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

Jan29

Who Are You Listening to?

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While He was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!’”
— Matthew 17:5

Hearing God in a Noisy World

Every day, we’re bombarded with voices—news, social media, podcasts, opinions of friends and family, even our own thoughts pulling us in different directions. It can be overwhelming and confusing, making it hard to know what’s true and what really matters. But in the middle of all the noise, there is one voice that stands above the rest—Jesus.

In the Bible, there’s a moment when God Himself speaks directly to His followers and gives a simple but powerful command: “Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). This happened when Jesus took three of His disciples up on a mountain, and they saw something incredible—Jesus’ appearance changed, glowing with heavenly light, and two great figures from history, Moses and Elijah, appeared with Him. As the disciples stood in awe, a bright cloud covered them, and God’s voice spoke, making it clear that above all the voices in the world, they needed to listen to Jesus. And the same is true for us today.

The disciples were totally overwhelmed at the transfiguration. They were terrified, but Jesus walked right up, touched them, and said, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 17:7) Isn’t that what He does for us? In our fear and uncertainty, He reassures us with His presence and love.

Let’s be honest—there are so many voices fighting for our attention every day. It’s exhausting, right? But Jesus’ voice is different. His words silence the noise. They bring clarity when we’re confused, hope when we’re struggling, and truth when we don’t know what to believe.

Jesus speaks to us in so many ways—through the Bible, prayer, the Holy Spirit, or even a conversation with someone who loves Him. But how often do we actually stop and listen? Listening takes effort. It means slowing down, tuning out distractions, and being willing to act on what we hear.

When we really listen to Jesus, amazing things happen:

  • We find peace. In a world that’s full of chaos and noise, His voice calms us. Think about when He says, “Don’t be afraid.” It’s like a deep cleansing breath for your soul.
  • We get direction. Feeling lost? His Word lights the way. Psalm 119:105 says it perfectly: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
  • We gain strength. You know those days when you just feel drained? His promises remind us that His strength shows up when we’re at our weakest.

So, here’s something to think about: Whose voice are you really listening to right now? Is it Jesus’? Or are other voices crowding Him out?

Let’s make it a goal today to turn down the world’s noise and lean into what Jesus has to say. His words aren’t just helpful—they’re life-changing.

A Prayer for Today:
Jesus, I want to hear You above everything else. Help me quiet the distractions around me and make space to listen. Speak to me through Your Word, guide my choices, and give me the courage to follow You. Thank You for Your peace, direction, and strength. Help me to trust You and obey Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Related Verses:

  • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
  • Proverbs 4:20-22: “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”
  • Matthew 7:24: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
  • Revelation 3:20: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Dec27

When You Can’t Find Words, God Hears Your Heart

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There are moments in life when finding the right words to pray feels impossible. Sometimes, the weight of our circumstances leaves us speechless. Whether we’re facing overwhelming challenges, dealing with a heartbreaking loss, or feeling lonely and disconnected from those around us, it can seem as though the words to pray simply aren’t there. When the heaviness in your heart makes it hard to know what to say to God, it’s comforting to know that God hears our hearts — even when words fail us.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

A God Who Understands Even Our Silence

This powerful passage reminds us that when we’re at a loss for words, the Holy Spirit is there, interceding on our behalf. God, who searches our hearts, understands the deepest cries of our soul, even when we can’t articulate them. When we are weak and unable to pray as we should, the Spirit steps in, offering our prayers to God with perfect understanding and in perfect accordance with His will.

Think about that for a moment—the Creator of the universe not only hears our words but listens attentively to the silent groans of our hearts. Whether our prayers are eloquent or unspoken, whether we cry out in desperation or sit in quiet surrender, God hears us. And He is always at work, responding in ways that are best for us.

God Hears You, Even in Your Silence

When words escape you, when the grief or confusion feels too heavy to bear, remember this: God hears your heart. The Holy Spirit is interceding for you, and God’s love and attention never fail. You are never truly alone in your struggles, even when you can’t find the right words to say.

So, when you feel lost in your prayers, take comfort in knowing that the Spirit is speaking for you, bringing your heart’s cries to God. You don’t have to have the perfect words—just an open heart, and God will meet you there.

Even when you can’t find the words, God is listening. He hears your heart.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being a God who hears our hearts, even when we can’t find the words to pray. When we are overwhelmed or weary, help us to rest in the truth that You are always near, listening and interceding on our behalf. Holy Spirit, thank You for lifting our silent prayers to the Father. Please give us peace in knowing that You understand our deepest needs. We trust in Your love, Your care, and Your perfect will for our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Verses:

Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 116: 1 – 2 (TLB): “I love the Lord because He hears my prayers and answers them. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe!”

Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Apr7

Be Faith-full Instead of Fear-full

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“Surrender your anxiety!

Be silent and stop striving and you will see that I am God.

I am the God above all the nations,

and I will be exalted throughout the earth.”

Psalm 46:10 TPT

 

The COVID19 shutdown throughout the world has forced us to shelter in place and practice social distancing. For many of us, this is painfully difficult because we are accustomed to a much busier pace of life. We aren’t used to this much time alone and being isolated from our friends, family and co-workers.

Listening to the news – especially while we are alone –  brings a great deal of anxiety and fear. But Psalm 46:10 tells us to surrender our anxiety. Listening to God and acknowledging Him in these quiet moments can calm our anxiety and nullify our fear.

The passage also tells us to be silent and stop striving.  This is one time in the entire history of the world that most people have been forced to be still and cease our normal activities. Use this time to read God’s word and meditate on His promises, instead of marinating in 24/7 news reports, emails and social media posts.

While we have this “free time,” let’s get outside and take in the sights, sounds, and fragrances of God’s creation. There’s no better place to see God than when we view the works His hands have made.

During these days of uncertainty, our anxiety will melt away when we turn it over (surrender it) to God and focus our thoughts on Him, instead of on our distress.

Be Faith-full and not Fear-full. 

 

 

Mar25

Our Global Reboot

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“Come away by yourselves to a || SECLUDED|| place and rest a little while” ~ Love, Jesus (Mark 6:31)

Perhaps God is using this world-wide pandemic for a global #reboot. People all over the earth who were ‘continually coming and going’ have halted their busy-ness and find themselves in a ‘secluded place.’ In the stillness of these moments, let’s take time to re-evaluate our priorities and realize what is truly important.

Over the last few weeks, we have had a front row seat to witness healthcare workers, National leaders, state leaders, local leaders, truckers, grocery workers, business leaders, ministers, athletes, celebrities and ordinary citizens come together like never before in history to work for a common goal. We are witnessing God’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” in action!

When this #pandemic storm passes, let’s never go back to our “old normal.” Let’s use this experience with #covid_19 for a time to reset to a new normal where we eliminate the clutter in our schedules and embrace God’s command to love our neighbors.

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12: 30 – 31

“We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan.” Romans 8:28

 

Mar18

Choose Faith Over Fear

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Get vaccinated with a dose of Faith.

Read Psalm 91 aloud (below), and let the power of His words melt away your anxiety and fear. As you read the psalm, you can turn it into a powerful prayer to the Lord in behalf of you and your loved ones. God is greater than the hardships we face, and no problem is too great for God…not even COVID-19!

While He has us in a world-wide Holy Time-Out, you can replace panic with peace by spending time feasting on the soul food of His Good News, not the constant social feed of bad news.

God is teaching us to trust in HIM — Not the economy, not the stock market, not your job or your bank account.

Put your faith in the One who has overcome the world and rest in the shadow of His wings.

Choose Faith over Fear!

Psalm 91 ~

Whoever rests in the shadow of the Most High God
will be kept safe by the Mighty One.
 I will say about the Lord,
“He is my place of safety.
He is like a fort to me.
He is my God. I trust in him.”

He will certainly save you from hidden traps
    and from deadly sickness.
He will cover you with his wings.
Under the feathers of his wings you will find safety.
He is faithful. He will keep you safe like a shield or a tower.
You won’t have to be afraid of the terrors that come during the night.
You won’t have to fear the arrows that come at you during the day.
You won’t have to be afraid of the sickness that attacks in the darkness.
    You won’t have to fear the plague that destroys at noon.
A thousand may fall dead at your side.
Ten thousand may fall near your right hand.
But no harm will come to you.
You will see with your own eyes
how God punishes sinful people.

Suppose you say, “The Lord is the one who keeps me safe.”
Suppose you let the Most High God be like a home to you.
 Then no harm will come to you.
No terrible plague will come near your tent.
The Lord will command his angels
to take good care of you.
They will lift you up in their hands.
Then you won’t trip over a stone.
You will walk on lions and cobras.
You will crush mighty lions and poisonous snakes.

The Lord says, “I will save the one who loves me.
I will keep him safe, because he trusts in me.
 He will call out to me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him in times of trouble.
I will save him and honor him.
 I will give him a long and full life.
I will save him.”

 

 

 

Jan31

The Sunrise in Your Soul

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Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s Sunrise will break in upon us, shining on those in the darkness, those living in the shadow of death, then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of Peace.

Luke 1:78 – 79

Watching a sunrise is one of the most peaceful experiences on earth. As the newborn day peeks out of its cradle, an ever-changing palette of soft pastels paints the sky ‘s fresh canvas. While fringes of the sun’s light become more visible, the silence of dawn is softly interrupted by morning songs of birds – blending harmoniously together in a cheerful symphony of praises to their Creator. The cool morning air gives way to the warmth of the majestic solar glow.

In the few minutes it takes to pause and watch the sun pull itself up over the horizon, there’s a perpetual feast for the senses that can transform your spirit and set the tone for your day.

Jesus came into the world as “God’s Sunrise.” (Luke 1:78) His dazzling light shines brightly on the darkest caverns of our hearts and illuminates the path to peace – the path to the One true God.

Starting each day basking in the light of His Word, will refresh your soul and provide you with hope, guidance, and perspective for any circumstance you face throughout the day.  Trust Him to take your hand and guide you – one foot at a time – down the path to perfect peace.

Take time to pause in His presence, and be transformed by His Son-rise in your Soul!

Related Verse:

With every sun’s rising surprise us with Your love, satisfy us with Your kindness. Then we will sing with joy and celebrate every day we are alive. Psalm 90:14

Aug10

When Trees Clap Their Hands

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You will indeed go out with joy
and be peacefully guided;
the mountains and the hills will break into singing before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:12

The scorching Georgia heat radiated off the black tar of the parking lot where I stood waiting to meet my son. He was running late, and I was quickly running out of patience. To make the most of the delay, I pulled out my cell phone to check emails. But as soon as I read the first sentence, the sickening sight of a blank screen and dying battery appeared, and my frustration level escalated.

I felt a slight, welcomed breeze blow through my hair as I looked for a shady place to sit, and I glanced toward the sky to see if a summer storm might be brewing. That’s when I noticed the lone tree topped with limbs forming a perfectly shaped cross. The beautiful scene stopped me in my tracks as I felt God nudging me with a reminder that my day had been so jammed with appointments and to-do lists, I had not taken time out for HIM.  He too had been waiting for His child to meet Him…and she was too busy.

“Holy goosebumps” tingled from head to toe as I felt God bending down reminding me to align my priorities appropriately. He paused my schedule right there in the blazing hot parking lot to send me a sign of His love. The tree He destined as my messenger also served as my shade from the scorching sun. I remembered the verse from Isaiah,

“You will indeed go out with joy and be peacefully guided; the mountains and the hills will break into singing before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”

Joy and peace were blatantly absent from the hours leading up tho this moment, but my frustration melted into joy while I treasured this heaven-sent gift. I did not schedule this divine appointment, but I am so thankful that He interrupted my chaotic life with a holy meeting.

I pray that God will open your eyes and ears to the sights and sounds of mountains singing and trees clapping their praise to Him…or growing their limbs in the shape of a cross! Make your time with Him a priority, and He will fill you with joy and guide you peacefully through your day.

Jan3

Be Still

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“Be still,

 be calm,

 see,

and understand…

I am the True God.

Psalm 46:10 (VOICE)

If your mind is whirling with anxious thoughts, take time to simply be still in the presence of God, thanking Him that He is already in your future. Relax in the knowledge that He is in control of every detail of your life. The things you are worried about right at this moment will probably never happen, so why waste your time and energy with useless, tiresome fretfulness? You don’t have to pre-plan for every possible scenario. Your Heavenly Father knows the future, so go to Him with all your apprehensions and concerns and trust that He will equip you to handle whatever comes your way.

Quiet your mind and take in deep breaths of His indescribable Peace. Allow His holy presence to permeate your thoughts and calm your spirit. Notice how the knots in your stomach gradually dissolve as you place your trust completely in Him. Be confident that He is watching over your life, and know that He is with you every step of your journey. Give all your cares to Him and receive the precious treasure of His Peace. Simply be still…and know that He is God.

  • Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are his people,the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3(NIV)
  • Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
Sep20

On We Go!

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“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 
Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water 
so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.”
Exodus 14:15 – 16 (NIV)
 

Is God telling you to “move on” today? Is there something you have been praying about, and you sense that God has told you to move in a direction that seems humanly impossible? You can always be sure that if God leads you to it, He will lead you through it.  If you listen carefully to your Heavenly Father’s divine directives and follow His guidance, He can turn dead ends into miraculous detours.

With mountains on one side and the red sea at their backs, the Israelites felt trapped as Pharaoh’s pursuing army closed in on them.  There was no obvious route for their escape, and the people were terrified. But God told Moses to stop crying out to Him and start moving…into the direction of the Red Sea!  The people had no idea that God would part the sea for them to cross on dry land.  As God’s chosen leader, Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14: 13)  Moses had just witnessed God’s incredible deliverance of the Israelites out of bondage from Egypt, and he had faith that God would again protect His children and provide a way of escape from the approaching army. Moses obeyed God’s command, raised his staff, stretched out his hand over the sea, and watched the miracle unfold before his eyes as the sea parted and made a way of escape for God’s children.

So there comes a time when we need to stop praying and start doing. If Moses had doubted God’s directives and continued praying for another answer, the Israelites might have been doomed. Often we refrain from doing whatever God is calling us to do because we are fearful and we doubt our abilities.  But even in your most desperate situations, you can be sure that God is whispering in your ear, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake( you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)  So with God by your side, you can have confidence to move on. Absolutely nothing is impossible for the God of all possibilities.  Never doubt His power nor His abilities.  His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His solutions are beyond our imagination. God’s greatest work is accomplished through our weaknesses.  When we are weak, He is strong, and in our weaknesses God can shine!  On we go!

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:14 (NLT)