In the Stillness, He Speaks
We live in a loud, fast-paced world. Notifications demand our attention. Schedules dictate our energy. Silence often feels like a waste of time. But in God’s Kingdom, stillness is not empty—it’s full. It’s in the quiet places that God often does His deepest work.
Lamentations 3:26 (NIV):
“It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
Waiting quietly before God is not passive. It’s one of the most powerful and transformational disciplines a believer can practice.
Why Quiet Waiting Is So Difficult Today
Let’s be honest: silence is uncomfortable.
When we pause, we’re forced to confront:
- Inner restlessness
- Deep questions
- Painful emotions
- Our desire for control
- Our addiction to distractions
But the discomfort is often the doorway to depth with God.
The enemy would love to keep you busy and distracted. But God calls you to sit at His feet and be still.
What Happens When You Wait Quietly Before God
1. You Begin to Recognize His Voice
God often speaks in a whisper.
1 Kings 19:12 (NIV):
“After the fire came a gentle whisper…”
You can’t hear a whisper when your soul is loud. Stillness trains your ears to listen deeply.
2. You Realign With Truth
When you wait in silence before God, lies and fears begin to fade, and His Word takes root in your heart.
The noise of the world is replaced with the clarity of Heaven.
3. You Cultivate Peace
Stillness isn’t the absence of activity—it’s the presence of peace.
Isaiah 30:15 (NIV):
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…”
There’s supernatural strength in simply being with God, without striving.
4. You Learn to Surrender Control
Waiting quietly before God is an act of surrender. It says: “God, I trust You. I’m not rushing ahead. I’m here for You—nothing else.”
Letting go of urgency makes room for intimacy.
How to Practice the Discipline of Waiting Quietly
1. Set Aside Specific Time
Start with 5 to 10 minutes. Choose a time when you’re least likely to be interrupted.
- Early morning
- During a break
- Before bed
Don’t rush it. Give God your undivided attention.
2. Prepare Your Heart
You don’t need the perfect setting. Just a willing heart. Begin with a simple prayer:
“Lord, I’m here. Speak if You want to speak. Or just let me be still with You.”
Invite the Holy Spirit to settle your thoughts.
3. Be Still—Even if It Feels Awkward
At first, your mind may race. That’s okay. Don’t fight it. Gently bring your focus back to God.
You can:
- Focus on your breath: “Holy Spirit, I breathe You in.”
- Meditate on a single verse (e.g., “Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10)
- Repeat a short prayer silently: “Jesus, I trust You.”
Stillness is a skill—and it grows with practice.
4. Let Silence Speak
You don’t need to fill the space with words.
If God speaks—listen.
If He doesn’t—still trust.
If emotion rises—let it flow.
If nothing happens—He is still there.
Silence is not God’s absence. It’s often the canvas where He paints most clearly.
5. Journal What You Sense
After your quiet time, write what came to your heart:
- A verse that surfaced
- A sense of peace or conviction
- A word or phrase you felt God whisper
- A question you want to bring to Him next time
This helps you track what God is doing in your inner life.
Biblical Examples of Quiet Waiting
Moses
Waited 40 days on Mount Sinai—in silence, receiving the law.
David
Wrote psalms of waiting:
“My soul waits in silence for God only…” – Psalm 62:1
Jesus
Often withdrew to lonely places to pray and listen.
He waited on the Father’s timing—never rushed, never reactive.
What You Gain by Waiting Quietly
- Clarity in confusion
- Rest in chaos
- Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
- Deeper faith and surrender
- A stronger relationship with God
Stillness isn’t just a practice—it’s a lifestyle. And it leads to a kind of strength the world can’t offer.
Final Encouragement
In a world that rushes, strive to rest. In a culture that shouts, dare to listen. Waiting quietly before God is one of the most countercultural and powerful ways to grow your spiritual life.
“Lord, I’m done trying to do life in my own strength. Teach me to wait quietly in Your presence. Help me to love the stillness, to trust Your timing, and to be changed in the silence. I believe that in the quiet, You are near.”