Be still. I cannot do this easily. Either my mind or my body is always going. Even when physically still, I’m thinking, planning or even worrying. But God has taught me a lesson about being still and knowing Him. It’s a necessary endeavor.
“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10a 
This week, I sat still long enough to read a book from a dear friend about being still. (It was short). It reinforced what she and I had been learning together this year. We all need to be still and know.
Know what?
Know God.
Know yourself.
And if you don’t know either, then be still to find out why and how.
There is so much research about mindfulness, meditation and even prayer being wonderful for our minds and bodies. It all just reinforces what I know to be true. When I connect with God and am still, I have His peace.
In 2014, I had so many new experiences. I stepped out of my box and in it all, I had a deep sense of calm. A knowing, that no matter what, God was with me.
There were times of frustration and doubt. Ask my family about my knee or my website designer about creating two new websites.
But God was with me. All things worked out according to His plan. (Romans 8:28)
I had a knowing, a stillness that was not my own.
The stillness has been fostered over time. I love the stillness of the morning before everyone awakens. It’s my few precious moments to connect with God in His Word and prayer. The stillness becomes part of me as I call on Him throughout the day.
Actively seeking God, I sense His presence and peace. He leads me and us all to what we need to find.
We just need to be still long enough to hear and listen to Him.
In the midst of chaos, in the center of frustration, fear or anger, He is there. I actively seek Him in the eye of any storm for His peace and stillness. It calms me. He gives me the next steps without anxiety.
As I contemplate 2014 and plan for 2015, I am thankful for the stillness and peace He has given. It has calmed me, led me to refocus and be more present and thankful.
I have also learned (again) if things change as they will, it isn’t necessarily bad. Often change is very, very good. It’s all in how we choose to see and deal with it.
Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. ~ Psalm 103: 1-2
I will praise Him with all that I am, even in the storms. For it is only through the storms that I can truly appreciate the beauty of His stillness.
May you find your own stillness and peace in 2015 in coming to know God, yourself and all that He has planned for you. I am so excited to see His dreams for all of us as we continue to follow His footprints!