Dallas high schoolers are over-committed, over-scheduled, overstimulated, over-hurried, over-stressed, and overwhelmed. We are addicted to activity and so accustomed to noise and busyness that we feel uncomfortable with stillness and silence. Our busy lives are fast and loud.Yet God calls us to be still and quiet.
Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God!" Our Heavenly Father knows that, without quiet, we become physically and mentally exhausted, relationally superficial, and spiritually shallow. Without stillness, stress sucks the life out of us. God wants to give rest to our souls. Consider these 5 biblically-based steps to a more Q.U.I.E.T. and less stressful life.
1. Quit Everything Else
Mark 6:31 says, "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" Have you ever been so busy that you skipped a meal? What about eating on the go? For Jesus, this kind of pace was an indicator that his followers needed to stop and get some rest. Like the disciples, you might need to stop everything and find a quiet place to be undistracted by people, noise, and interruptions. Make time today to quit everything else so that you can be alone with Jesus to rest and find peace.
2. Understand the Bible
Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." One of the best ways to bring rest to your soul is meditation on scripture. Once you've shut everything else off, allow God to speak to you as you dwell on His word. You'll be amazed on what you can hear and the peace that comes when distractions are removed.
3. Inspect Your Life
Psalm 139:23-24 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Quiet time with Jesus often brings incredible clarity regarding your current condition or direction in life. Turn your anxious thoughts over to God and ask Him for perspective on the things that are stressing you out.
4. Establish a Memory
A moment of stillness can be so rich. And yet we quickly forget it's value once we turn our eyes back onto the demands of daily life. Deuteronomy 4:9 says, "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live." Think of a way to record (journal entry, memory verse, social media post, note posted on mirror, verse jotted on your hand, etc.) your experience of rest.
5. Take Action
You'll be amazed at what you learn when you take the time to be still before the Lord. Be sure to follow up with a commitment to action. Psalm 119:106 says, "I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws." Fruit produced from stillness will only encourage more stillness in your life!
For Discussion:
In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." What can you do today to lay down your burdens and experience the rest of Jesus?