FROM THE LAY DIRECTOR "Be Still: Finding Spiritual Stillness In A Noisy World"

Our minds are often flooded with a never-ending stream of thoughts. We often have concerns about the future and worries about the present. It’s easy to feel like we’re always in motion, even when we’re standing still. But even when our mind races and the voices in our heads are chaotic, God offers us a simple yet powerful invitation: Be still.

In Exodus 14, as the Israelites stood trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, panic surged through them. But Moses said, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14, NIV). At a moment when running or reacting seemed like the only option, God called His people to do the opposite: to stop, to trust, and to wait. I love the quote, “Let go, and let God.”  Easier said than done I realize.

Similarly, Psalm 37:7 encourages us, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” This is not a passive stillness that comes from apathy, but an active waiting. It is an intentional quieting of the heart so we can notice what God is doing in us and around us. Even within the Via De Cristo framework we often focus so much on the task at hand rather than gaining a holistic perspective of what God is doing to align and unify teams for His glory.

Spiritual stillness is both active and passive. It requires surrender and trust, but also attention and awareness. In stillness, we allow God to refocus our vision. We give Him the racing thoughts, the burdens, the doubts. In return, He tunes our ears to hear His voice. This is not about escaping reality but engaging it from a place of peace and divine perspective.

Too often, we miss the gentle movements of God because our lives are too loud. But when we practice being still before Him, we begin to see with new eyes. We start to recognize that God has already been working in the background. Through stillness, we become more equipped to give God the glory He deserves, because we finally notice His hand in our lives.

Stillness is a spiritual discipline. It is a habit that takes time and intentionality to develop. But it’s also a gift. In a world that demands constant productivity and attention, God invites us to rest in Him, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. I encourage you to take ‘think time’ to pause, regroup and reflect.

Here’s your invitation: Set aside a few hours this week to step away from the noise. Go for a walk, sit in a quiet room, or find a peaceful place outside (summer is too short so enjoy it). Bring your concerns to God and as each thought arises, offer it to Him in prayer. Don’t rush. Don’t try to fix anything. Just be still. The more we cultivate stillness, the more we’ll find that God was never silent but rather, we were just too distracted to hear Him. Let’s become a people who practice stillness, who give God the glory not only for what He will do, but for what He is already doing.

God Loves You & So Do I,

Jeff Walk, LVCCM Lay Director