Be Still
In the Book of Psalm, verse 46:10, it says, “Be still and know that I am God.” I cherish those words. They mean so much to me. In all honesty, it’s hard for me to be still. I’m a doer, and since there is always so much to be done, I’m normally on the go. Even so, I am aware of the importance of spending some quiet time each day, and being in the presence of God makes it even more special. When I find a place to sit and be still, it’s often outdoors, weather permitting. If the weather is not cooperating, then I like to sit near a window where I can look out and see what things are growing in our yard.
While being still and focusing on God and His beautiful creation, I will often read from my daily devotional or a passage from the God’s Word.
Do you take time regularly to be still and think about God and all that He’s done for you? If so, where do you like to be during this time of renewal?
I love to be still out in nature. It’s peaceful and it feels like Gods love shines down on me
I like to watch the birds I feed outside my window. I sit in my Amish rocker with coffee and a devotional to reflect.
Being still is definitely something I need to work on more! I honestly do my best thinking and reflecting while I’m driving (as long as it’s not in a big city or where there is a lot of traffic).
I can relate to this. Over the last 8 months I have experienced several medical issues. it was a long journey. From a planned shoulder surgery to a detached retina. Multiple surgeries, procedures and lots of recovery time. I too read these very scripture. My last Vitrectomy was March 5th. My recovery is going well. Praise God for his love and healing powers.
Much prayers for you and Richard.
I have that verse on my living room wall. I tend to speak before I think, something I ask the Lord to help me with. I want to be still and rely on Him. I also see His creation differently than when I was younger. I get so much enjoyment watching the birds, the variety God made, and seeing they each have personalities. It’s sad that our society has trained us to be so busy and occupied that we miss those blessings from God. I stand at my window and try to remember to be thankful for even the little things.
I think about God in everything I do. I talk to him regularly in my everyday activities. At night I sit in my chair when everyone goes to bed. I pick up my rosary beads(they were made by a girlfriend(she called me sister) who recently died from ovarian cancer. But she is at peace now. As I was saying, I sit there and think of how God has blessed me, the trials he has put before, the help he has given me and how he has given my life the joy he has gifted me. Also the friends in my life and I pray for the people who do not believe in God.
I love feeding hummingbirds that come to central N.C. usually in May. my hubby and I will sit under the feeders that are in a large pecan tree in our front yard then enjoy the hummers buzzing all around us and the feeders. During the cold winters I would usually complain if it snowed but this past winter, I started thanking God for the snow and cold because He is the one in charge of the weather. Whether I complain or not He’s still in charge so I may as well give thanks in all things like the Bible instructs us to do. And that’s made a difference. Since I was a child I would wake up and thank God for waking me up. That’s also made a difference. I’ve also started thanking Him for even the littlest things, such as allowing me to smell the roses in our rose garden or allowing me to just see the blue sky because a lot of people who are in hospitals can’t get out and smell roses or even look outside and see a blue sky if they’re in a room with no windows.
I do take time daily to Be Stiil with God
Usually before I go to bed and think about what God has blessed us with
I sit in my recliner with lights out as I can concentrate without distractions
I miss seeing you at Der Dutchman this year and pray for your and your hubby’s health
Safe travels
I love you books, I am in Pennsylvania and always enjoy visiting Lancaster.
I love reading your books. I love in Pennsylvania and enjoy visiting Lancaster.
I can’t wait to read your new books and the recipe cook book looks very interesting. I just love to sit and drink my coffee and watch my squirrels in the morning, Take care and will keep you and your family in my prayers for good health in 2025. God bless
I try to take time regularly to be still and think about what all He has done for me. I then will thank Him. Usually I’ll put on some worship music as well and just worship and praise God. I like to sit on our back screened in porch or outside, weather permitting.
I like to sit on my deck and watch the birds and deer. Our poor animals are being run out of their homes, there’s so much construction going on. That’s when I reflect on my life the most. I love all of your books and when I read them I feel like I am there with them. Amazing stories!! I pray for you and your husband’s healing. God Bless.
I love being outdoors to @be still” but usually do my quiet time sitting on the couch. I’ve been reading through the Bible on a 3 year plan. I wanted to slow down the amount read (about 28 verses) so I can really read and meditate on His word.
I love that you include prayer requests in your monthly newsletter.
I love to sit outside on my deck and read and look out over our yard and garden and thank God for all His many blessings.
This journal entry speaks to me in more ways than one. You see, I found out in late February that I have breast cancer and since then I’ve been seeing and hearing these little affirmations such as the “Be still and know that I am God,” at the beginning of your journal post. I’ve been seeing them on billboards, finding them in whatever literature I happen to be reading, in conversations etc. Just before I found out my husband gifted me with a faith bracelet that said “Two together are better,” meaning no matter what comes we will get through it together. I do try to connect with God in the quiet moments of each day. My favorite place is working at my kitchen table near the window where I can see out. The hummingbirds are starting to return to the area; I put out one feeder so far to welcome them and more will go out as needed. Eventually there will be 8 feeders and a bath with a solar fountain and it will be like a tiny airport out there with all the buzzing around. Truly God’s little creations and wonderful to watch.
Thank you for sharing this entry, Wanda!! As much as I wish I could be the “doer” I once was, I have instead been living with fibromyalgia which has limited my doing. Because of it I visit my hot tub a few times each day and am STILL. My husband built a roofed enclosure so I can use it year round during all weather conditions. I have added scripture verses inside and am STILL before God who has never forsaken me when I feel physically at my lowest. I praise His most holy name🙏
Everyday having my husband here is my joy….every time he says heart doctor… he says can’t believe you all still here… my saying is you don’t died until the good lord ready !
I like to sit out on my porch and listen to nature.
Love this verse. Be still. Be still and listen!
Important for me to thank God every morning for my blessings! You are one of my blessings, as I love your books.
Thank you Wanda for posting this topic. I need to get better at having a set schedule for me & God to get together. One day I do this then the next something gets in the way. This needs my utmost attention! God waits for us patiently. If weather permits, I sit on the deck for devotions & listen to the birds in the background.
I love sitting on my front porch and looking at my flowers. I don’t have the biggest green thumb but planting flowers brings me such joy. So while they’re doing good and in bloom I’ll sit out and there for my quiet time with the Lord. Be Still and Know. Often times for me is such a hard thing. I always have to find a way to “fix” things and some things are just out of my control so I often whisper that verse to myself. Very encouraging post! Thank you!
This has always been one of my favorite verses. I like to be still and quiet when I am driving down the road looking at all of God’s creation. The scenery just makes me think of what a wonderful God we have.
I will be praying for you and your husband and also for safe travel today. I enjoy all of your books so much. God bless you!
What a great reminder to take time out of our busy day to connect with the God of creation. Your journal entry reminded me of the Bible verse in Philippians 4:8, which states: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Thanks for all you do to encourage us to “keep the main thing the main thing”.
During the winter time, my quiet time is indoors in my easy chair and when possible I too like to be able to see the outdoors and reflect on nature and His beauty. I read a chapter or two in my Bible daily. This year I’m ready The Message Bible.
I was given a book at Christmas called “Healing the Soul of a Woman” by Joyce Meyer. I am reading it also.
In church we are working through the book of Revelation. Every week I study the next chapter for the following week using “The Book of Revelation Made Clear” by Tim Lahaye and Timothy E. Parker.
God is an AWESOME GOD! Taking time for Him is a renewal for our soul.
The last line in my first paragrahp should read: This year I’m reading The Message Bible.
i thank God everyday for getting me to where I am. There have been a lot of trials in my life…I wouldn’t be where I am if I hadn’t stopped & listened.
That verse hangs on a wall in my home office. It was given to me as an ordination gift thirty-three years ago by a close friend. She knew that being still would be a challenge for me. I challenge those words as a daily reminder to trust God.
Praying you have a good trip &
Lovely time
God is so good 😊
Susan Elliott
I love this verse! When things feel too busy or too big to handle, I can think of this verse and know that God is with me, and that I just need to step back for a few moments of reflection to remember that He has the situation under control. I am reminded of the appreciation I have for all the things He has given to me in my life, and it brings me peace.
I,, too, struggle with this verse. Not the sitting still part. Unfortunately, I am good at that! My problem is being mentally still to hear God. I always want some kind of sound on. Im praying to be a better listener! Still ptaying for you and your family.
I’m there with you about mentally being still. that’s a work in progress.
I am looking forward to the cookbook
You have the best recipes
I love the very early mornings, around 3am for being still and contemplating all of God’s miraculous works!! In my view it is something about the quietness of early mornings that set the tone for busy days ahead and as the day progresses I can pause and bring myself back to that peaceful time.
I love reading your books. They bring a peace while reading that you rarely find in this chaotic world today.
I can relate to your husband heart issues. I lost my husband of 39 years last May due to heart attack. I’m praying for healing for both of you.
i love to sit in the woods but they are disappearing as more and more buildings are going up around the area so i sit on my fire escape !
usually late at night early morning when its quiter
Wanda, I have enjoyed reading your books over the years. I have one of your cookbooks.
Reading your journal is like reading a devotional. Brings me comfort and peace and draws me closer to God. Have you ever written a devotional?
Thank you for your books, they are wonderful always.
I take the time to be still often. I have to remind myself but I do. your books are wonderful.
Right now I am clinging to 2 Timothy 1:7. I am facing knee replacement surgery and I’m dreading it with a passion! I must keep reminding myself that God has not given me the spirit of fear!
I need to learn to be still and listen, I tend to try to do it my own way, but recently I’ve been put into a position where I need to rely totally on Him and lean on Him for medical needs as well as everything that I am going through
Aloha Wanda, Richard, & Ohana!
I pray that All is Well & Blessed!!!
Mahalo Nui for the update on you & Richard!
I love your BE STILL journal! I love them all! But this one, “BE STILL!” really is what I do at 3 am to 5 am in some mornings!
That’s my most quiet time, so that I MAY JUST LAY THERE, SIT UP, OR JUST BE STILL…AND KNOW THAT HE’S PRESENT AND HIS PRESENCE is right there with me! He truly brought to this Chapter in my LIFE! I don’t know what to do without our HEAVENLY FATHER! Everything i do is from him, it’s full of Joy & Love and it’s because of him that I can LIVE this Joyful Life full of LOVE for myself, my hubby, my children that are here on earth along with the 7 Keiki, me and Randy lost but they’re with our Father in Heaven to spoil and love them!
When I perform my Hula or perform our Hawaiian Style Ceremonies, I do it with GOD IN MY VISION! He is my INSTRUMENT, and he let’s me be an INSTRUMENT to others, He is my KING, HE IS WHY IM PRESENT TO BLESS OTHERS AS I’VE BEEN BLEST TO DO SO! HE HAS GIVEN ME MY PURPOSE, MY HEART, AND MY LIFE…I totally MAU’POPO (Understand) that I am Blessed to be Present to Fulfill my Destiny with my HAWAIIAN ANCESTORS TOO!!!
All because…I DO, BE STILL and KNOW THAT HE IS…
God Bless you and your Ohana FOREVER & ALWAYS! Mahalo Nui for Always making time to come and see us SHARE OUR GIFTS OF MELE, HULA, MANA’O, AND HULA!!!
Have a Blessed Day, TRAVEL BLESSINGS, and SMOOCHESZ OF ALOHAS!!!
Primrose
Thanks for sharing with us the Amish traditions, people, and food.
Have learned so much
I have been trying to get closer to our living and faithful God. when reading your books and seeing how it’s applied in your stories it warms my heart. I’m also a doer, I can not sit still long.. but as I’m cleaning or working on my little Homestead I’m always thinking about God I usually like taking a few moments every morning in the shower and talk to my father in heaven. I love your books and I pray you and your family continue to make strides for better health and safe travels. God bless you and thank you for your book
I like being next to a window with one of your books. where I can see all the birds at the feeders and the deer running through my yard. Thank you for all the wonderful reading you do for all of your follower’s.
I like to pray on my drive to work. Like you I tend to be a doer also. What a great reminder about being still and listening to God.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
[10] So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
this is my favorite verse when I feel like I’m sinking!
you & your family have certainly been tested these past couple of years. praying for you & your family.
I love sitting outside on our deck. we have mountains by our house. I think of these mountains as God’s house. I have so much peace as I look up at them.
Hello, I’m so glad your arm is better and hopefully your shoulder will be back to normal. I have tried to leave you a message before but I am not good with technology. I hope you have a big turnout for your book signing. Best to you and your husband. Love a loyal fan.
Carol
Love all your books. They bring comfort on stressful days
I don’t take the time that I should to contemplate and have quiet time. I’m going through some really rough times right now so I continue to tell myself that everything happens as it does for a reason. I’m so stubborn with myself I get upset about things that I needed to just lay down and let God. Wanda, your books and your journal entries and your emails are always such a joy for me to receive and read. It’s a reminder for me every time that I need to have some downtime and not feel guilty.
Thank you so much for all that you do.
God does so much for me that I take for granted. It’s hard to sometimes just be still and let Him have His way. Praying that I will always take the time to just listen and to let Him handle things that I tend to worry about. Trust Him, He has a plan!!!
Wanda, thank you for all the wonderful books you have written throughout the years. I love and enjoy them.
Thank you, also, for your words of wisdom and beliefs. It nice when there are authors who think, believe, and write wholesome books and emails.
A local bookstore was giving away books. I picked up some Amish story books. Unfortunately none of them were yours. But nevertheless, I am enjoying them.
I also find it difficult to be still. I feel guilty about not doing something productive! But I know that stillness isn’t laziness; it’s necessary for us to hear God and enjoy his blessings.
I do take time but not s much as I should. But starting next week since either will be sitting with my grandmother who is ill I will be be better at it. I do sit and watch and listen my church sermon every Sunday since it is hard for me to get out some days due to health issues. When I do read and listen to my church it’s in my living or in my bedroom. Some where quiet so I can concentrate and listen to what is actually be said and what I am reading.
My back porch is where I love to spend time with God in the early mornings. Hearing the earth come to life as the birds start singing and animals get up and about is refreshing to my soul.
Being outside would be great but I usually have morning worship/devotional in my bedroom before starting the day.
Love to sit on my porch and watch birds. I do alot of reading too. Then I always take time to just sit look around and be thankful for all God has blessed me with.
My time of prayer is at night in my bed, constantly during the day if things get complicated. Just finished the trilogy “The Friendship Letters”. Thank you
Our church had a period of time when members signed up to pray for an hour each week at a certain time. Every hour 24/7 was covered. You signed off by calling the next one in line to pray after you. I was amazed that I was able to pray for the whole time and sometimes even went over. My time period was around 1am so it was very quiet. I felt especially close to God during that time. And like you Wanda, I also feel close to God outdoors among his creation. A song by Jim Reeves, My Cathedral, says all that I feel outside.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8EwxKsfNnAo&pp=ygUXbXkgY2F0aGVkcmFsIGppbSByZWV2ZXM%3D
I LOVE Sitting and just looking out my window and watching the squirrels running up and down the hill and watching God’s beautiful creation and knowing that it is with us each and everyday! Many Prayers coming Wanda to You and Your Family !
I love to go to the far back field behind the old home place to rest and pray. The view of the mountains and sky are amazing. It is still within the corporate limits but it is situated so there is no view of any other houses, only the old barn roof across the railroad tracks from another old farm. It brings me so much joy to see the mountains change color as the day goes by. I am reminded of how we change under the Lord’s watchful eye. I hear the creek rushing over the rocky passage at the far edge, and hear God’s voice saying, ” Come up here ” much as John would have heard in the book of Revelation and “I will show you things that are to come.” I honestly believe if I can get quiet there that I will hear Him and know the next steps I need to take.
If the weather is nice, I do my best thinking about God and all HE has done for me on my outdoor cushioned swing. Looking at my backyard and all the sky’s beauty, I thank God for all he has done in my life time when I don’t deserve any of it. HE is a God of Love and Mercy and I’m grateful for all of that.
Prayers for you and your husband.
I love reading the Psalms. I do my best to read a devotional w/scripture each morning. I also set an alarm on my watch to remember to pray for those on my prayer lists. At night, I try to remember 5 things that took place that particular day to be grateful for. Simple things to do, but this helps me to remember that God wants to hear from his children each day. (Just like I like to hear from my adult children)
God Bless!
I like sitting in my glider with my first cup coffee to have my quiet time with the Lord. I’m reading through the Bible this year, so I read the daily chapters. I also use devotional books during my quiet time. One is for the whole year, but others only for 30-60 days.
My time with God is spent daily listening to praise and worship music on my way to work and back, which is about a 25 min. commute. Whether I’m listening or just focusing on praying while driving, I treasure that time, especially this week. My older brother passed this past Friday, unexpectantly. I work next door to the funeral home that he is currently laying at, and without my Lord I couldn’t imagine making is through this week and the weeks to come. I honestly don’t know how people survive this very dark world without God in their lives. I need Him every moment of every day. Thank you for this devotional post.
Vicki Glover
I love the springtime in our valley after surviving a long dark winter. I live in the country and enjoy my squirrels, quail, cottontails that I can watch from my windows, especially in the evenings. God is so Good! Thankful that you and your husband are improving healthwise.
Love this scripture. We all need complete time with God so we can be closer to him. I enjoy time with God in a front room of the house that lets sunshine in and I see God’s beauty as I talk to him and pray.
I TRY to sit in my mom’s old Boston Rocker and look out the window to focus in the beauty God has given us. Winters are long here, but the snow is lovely. I’m looking forward to my hummingbirds coming back! I also write in my journal during this peaceful time.
Several years ago, I decided that since I eat at least 3 times a day, I should have spiritual food at least 3 times a day. They are different, one is my daily Bible reading, another will be delving into a devotional I get on my email or worshipping through music. There is always variety but I feel like I am spending more time with God but not rushed or just something to check off my to do list.
I have many health issues so I am still a lot. Sometimes that makes it more difficult for me to remember to praise and thank God for what He has done. I try to make a point of it, though, because He deserves it. My favorite place to praise God is on my porch where I can see nature and hear the birds sing.
I so agree Wanda it is so hard to be still. I love to sit by a large body of water and pray and be still. I think life is so busy and we get in the fast lane and keep going but it is in the stillness when we hear his still small voice. Believing for a miracle for your husband. Praying for you, your husband, and your family. I have so enjoyed your books over the years and you are such an inspiration. After reading one of your books I feel so encouraged and it never fails but the verse you include in the book I am reading I need to hear them because they always relate to what is going on. I always feel like hey if that character in the book can handle that then I can to. You are an amazing gifted writer. Thank you for writing books that uplift our Savior and encourage us weary travels along this difficult journey of life.
I love to sit and listen to the birds. I am a branch manager at a small library in Franklin County PA about 2 hours from Lancaster County which I visit often. I order all of your books that come out including some of the cookbooks. Enjoy your trip to PA.
My favorite song is ‘Look What The Lord Has Done’
He has done so much for me!!! Saved me & filled with His spirit!!!
Prayers for you & your family!!
In Christ,
Jennifer
I like to be setting on my porch where I can hear the birds and see all of God’s glory. “Be still and know that I am God”. 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Reading your books always helps me relax. Getting to know more about you and the love that you have for all mankind is amazing. I know that your family has been through some very tough obstacles lately, but the Lord has showed up and showed out for you each time. Thank you for continuing to write. Our family will continue to pray for yours.
I like to thank God every night before going to sleep for everything he has done for me.
I’m not very good at talking to God , I need to get closer to God by talking time for him to be the life-, I’m going to try and be still and let God talk to me.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
That Bible passage is especially important in times of stress and
life’s problems. When difficult times arrive, we often are restless,
talk constantly without saying anything. A reminder to be still
and return to God. Quiet reflection with God is helpful.
Wishing you, Wanda, your family and readers the joy of
Christian renewal the Easter season brings.
I have a room where I do in depth Bible Studies and I can look out the window and watch the leaves change on the trees. I especially enjoy the spring leaves popping out there various colors of green leaves, and almost growing before my eyes. Then fall leaves in their vibrant colors are also a favorite of mine. When weather permits I like to sit on my deck and reflect on God’s goodness. I pray for Richard’s continuing progress with the cardiologist, diet, etc.
“Be still and know that I am god” is a great way to calm yourself if you are in need of a deep breath to relax a situation. Love your stories.