To-do lists are one of my favorite things to make. I have even made a list that includes another list. That’s how much I enjoy them. I love the feeling of systematically marking things off as I complete them. Taking that list, wadding it, and tossing it into the trash can give me a sense of accomplishment, making it a good day.
But I needed to be still.
I hate to admit it, but my quiet time is usually on that list. Sadly, some days, that’s how I treat my time with God. I anxiously count my ten minutes with God and happily mark it off the list. I’m not proud of this, but I, like many, get caught up in the daily grind. Before I realize it, my time with my Savior has become another chore.
Be still and know that I am God has many meanings for different people. The most straightforward meaning is to be still by literally quieting our minds. Stop thinking about the next thing on our to-do list and simply be in God’s presence. The earth and nations will honor God, but He wants us to choose Him in the middle of our busyness—to stop, be still, and glorify Him.
Amazing things happen when we sit still in God’s presence. We begin to heal from hurts, recharge to keep going, and remember who we are to God. We are His children. The King of the universe, the maker of all things, has chosen us and wants to spend time with us.
As you make your daily to-do list, rather than gleefully checking off another task, sit at your King’s feet and honor who He is. Be still.
Stacie Swicegood lives in a rural west central town in Texas. She currently works as an LPN in a local nursing facility and attends a local cowboy church. She is a relatively new Christian who is amazed daily by God’s faithfulness. Although her journey has been bumpy at times, her relationship with the Savior grows daily. She learned to write when she was young as a way to cope and escape reality. After many years of subduing this talent, God gave her the courage to start again.