Finding Stillness in a Busy WorldSample

Finding Stillness in a Busy World

Yesterday, I mentioned the three “D’s” of destruction. We learned that distraction starts the chaotic path away from God. As a result, discouragement is not far behind. Weariness slowly ebbs in like the evening tide and it breaks down our perspective and our defenses. Unfortunately, discouragement leads to feeling hopeless, useless, and abandoned. Suddenly, you are in a pit of doubt.

Invariably, when you’ve lost your focus, you’ll become discouraged and full of doubt. Soon you’ll find you’ve lost the motivation to press forward. The mountain seems too steep, the valley too dark, or the battle too fierce, and we lose the courage to continue.

So how do we overcome these mounting feelings? By remembering God’s promises and applying them. When we’ve spent time with the Lord and heard His voice, we are more able to know His promises and what His Word says about our purpose in life. Whether or not we see the fulfillment of those promises in this life, His promises still stand (Hebrews 11:13–16).

We easily become discouraged when we seek reward or affirmation from those around us. If our service or obedience is based upon immediate gratification, we may be setting ourselves up for discouragement. Mirriam-Webster’s dictionary defines doubt as “a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something.”

Considering how this shows up in our discouragement leaves me with a lingering sense of dissatisfaction. Doubt is another one of Satan’s tricks that obliterates our trust in God’s love. However, we can know without a shadow of doubt He does care! One look at the cross of Calvary will tell you that He loves eternally. Don’t doubt God’s goodness as it blocks God’s love and joy.

The “better thing” in this whole scenario is taking time to sit with Jesus, letting our hearts rest in the stillness of our Savior, and finding peace and contentment in His presence. He wants us to trust His love enough to care for us when and how we need to be cared for.

We can find stillness in our busy world. God longs to show us His compassion on all His children (Isaiah 30:18). But we won’t find it by demanding to be treated fairly. Only by finding stillness at His feet and remembering who He is. That truly is the better thing.

Thank you for reading this Bible plan. More encouraging faith stories are found here. Journal your own inspiring stories here.