Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Dance of Stillness, focuses on our need to rest and relax.

Show Notes: Dance of Stillness

This week’s episode is for me. I hope you enjoy it too, but I so need to learn to rest and relax. To dance the dance of stillness.

To be quiet.

Take a moment to rest.

Psalm 46, verses 1-3, and 10 are words for a weary heart. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah...Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” NKJV

Have you noticed that it’s difficult to rest in today’s world? There is much to be done in our busy lives, and many people that need us. And we have plans and goals we want to meet.

Heavy sigh. How can we get it all done? Or maybe a better question is “Do we need to get it all done?” Is Father God waiting with crossed arms and a tapping foot for us to finally finish that mile-long to-do list?

I think not. Most of the time when I’m overly busy and overwhelmed, it’s because I’m listening to my wants and needs and everyone else’s without taking a moment to ask God what His plan is. Yes, it’s time for me to bow my head and ask for forgiveness. Again.

I’ve run off and left God behind and can’t figure out why my life is no longer working.

God, forgive me.

But let’s not forget we also have enemies, demonic forces that do not want to see God’s will accomplished on this earth. In John 10: 9-10, Jesus says: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” NKJV

Did you catch those three words? Steal. Kill. Destroy. The devil is out to get all of God’s children. Our Lord Jesus is so much greater. He gives life to the full. And that’s what I want.

But life to the full doesn’t come without seasons of rest, times of relaxation, moments of deep conversation with God.

Jeff Walling shares this thought: “Stillness of soul and body is hard to come by for those of us given to chronic busyness. Its value is hidden by our productivity-tinted glasses. ‘Sabbath’ can sound so outdated and ‘meditation’ too Eastern. Yet God patiently invites us again and again with that still, small voice to a place where, like Elijah, we will come to our senses in a moment of clarifying stillness. In that stillness, we can once again see the glory of God and bask in his power. We can be caught up in the blessed reality of his sovereignty and our servitude. But that place is not found without discipline…Prayer time must move from the ‘When Available’ column to the ‘Must Do Today’ list.”

Wow. I want to learn but how?

Set aside time for God’s Word, prayer, and simply to sit and listen. God speaks every
Set aside moments each day to catch our breath. We can’t go at full speed all day long without paying the price of stress later in life.
Set aside time in our schedules for what is relaxing for us. Whether it’s reading, a manicure, tinkering with the car, a hot bath, or a long walk, figure out what works and pencil it in. Often.

I’ve not done well in this area for a long time and am now paying the price physically. You can only push yourself so far before you crash. I’m learning the hard way the price of busy. One day, I will be myself again, but for now, I’m looking at every single thing on my list and ridding myself of a lot. I have no choice.

Learn from my mistakes, my friends. Learn the dance of stillness today.

Let’s pray: Father God, we come to You today in repentance.