“Be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10) reminds us that we don’t have to carry everything on our shoulders. So why don’t we follow this wisdom? When it comes to letting go, we don’t. When it’s time to relax, we don’t. When we’re constantly striving, we don’t have to, but we do anyway. Why? Are we gluttons for punishment?

I am really trying to be still. I even have a reminder on my phone set for noon every day to remind myself to step back and breathe. Why? Perhaps it’s because I’ve learned that being busy is the more acceptable way of life.

Remember when we complained to our parents that we had nothing to do, and they responded, “If you can’t find something to do, then I’ll find something.” If you’re like me, you learned quickly not to complain. In fact, you probably also learned that being busy was the more acceptable way of life. For you and me, sitting idly while doing nothing seems just plain wrong. Because this has been drummed into our heads, we feel guilty when we’re simply trying to be still. Here lies the problem, and it’s one we’re going to have to address if we’re going to learn how to practice stillness in the way this Psalm means.

Even religion tends to place the focus of worship and following God on doing rather than on being. We are told to go to church, pray, and read the Bible. But how often are we told to sit and just be quiet? When was the last time you were told to sit, be still, and listen for the voice of God? Wouldn’t that mean being quiet and ceasing the business of your life? No, sadly, even in religion, we are encouraged, sometimes very strongly, to do for God because this is what He expects and wants.

Have you ever had that time in your life when things are tough, and you want someone to just sit with you? The kind of sitting that doesn’t involve questions? Yeah, that’s like what this Psalm means. Think about it.