How To Survive Middle School And BeyondSample

Survival Skill 2: Stillness

Do you ever feel jittery or antsy? Like your mind won’t rest? Those feelings aren’t good for you in the long run. What would happen if you slowed down, got some rest, and listened quietly to what God might want to whisper into your heart? You’d be building a spiritual survival skill: stillness! 

Jesus spent time getting away from the crowds who followed Him. Have you ever wondered why? Why didn’t He spend all His time on earth with people, doing the good things and miracles only He could do? 

Turns out He knew that spending time alone, in silence, and even resting our bodies helps clear distractions away from us. Remember what Jesus said in the verses we read from Matthew yesterday? (We’ll read it again today!) He said that when we pray, we should go into our room and close the door. In other words, praying in a quiet place is great! It helps us be still and able to feel the gentle whispers God speaks to our hearts. It gives us the break we need for our body and mind. And it gives our spirit a chance to connect with God on a new level. 

Check out this video to see more about that idea.

Ask yourself: What gets in the way of spending a few quiet moments with God each day? 

Challenge yourself: Go on a two-minute retreat of silence. Set a timer for just two minutes. Sit quietly. Close your eyes. Listen. You can think of a favorite Bible verse while you do, or a sentence like, “God, You are good.” See if you can sit in silent prayer like that for at least two full minutes each day this week.   

Pray: God, thank You for being present at all times. Help us to slow down in your presence enough that we begin to notice You more. Help us to get rid of the noise and distractions that can sometimes crowd You out of our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.