When was the last time you sat still and just enjoyed a peaceful moment?
If you answer that question honestly, it’s probably been a while. We’ve become more and more distracted with each passing day.
How many of us can’t sleep or sit still for any amount of time because our minds aren’t at peace? Being able to sit still and enjoy your surroundings is often an overlooked luxury. Many of us can’t even sit for a few minutes without scrolling mindlessly on our phones. There’s no judgment here—I’m guilty of this more often than I’d like to admit.
Recently, my husband and I went on vacation to Cancun, Mexico. In fact, I started this blog there. It dawned on me that even on vacation, we feel the need to do all the things. We have to go here, see this, and experience that. We need pictures for the ’gram. We feel the need to prove to everyone (because we think people are really that invested in everything we do) that we’re having the best time. We want it to look like we have a great life—when, unfortunately, many of our lives are a mess behind closed doors.
The truth is, we’re constantly trying to fill a void that only the Lord can fill. We all have a God-sized void in us. It’s like the slipper in Cinderella—only He can fit. (Sorry, I’m a girl mom; I had to put that in there.)
But if only God can fill that void, why does it sometimes feel like a chore to surrender to Him? The Bible says we are born into sin. That means we have a sin nature that craves the things of this world. We have to choose to turn our eyes toward the Lord. We have to choose to surrender to His lead and accept the peace that comes from that decision. It’s not something we naturally want to do. We must offer up our desire to lead our own lives and make Him Lord.
We live in a world full of distractions—work, politics, our phones, just to name a few. Is it just me, or does it seem like the volume has gradually increased to a deafening level? I’ll be honest—it’s become the norm. I’ve often found myself in a quiet moment, unsure what to do with myself. I’ve forgotten how to have idle time. No one knows how to be still anymore—to do nothing, with only the sound of silence around them.
In my house, for example, there’s always music playing from Alexa or a TV on somewhere. I’ve even gotten to the point where I feel like I have to have worship music playing during my prayer time. But what if God wants to speak in a still, small voice? Would I hear it over the music?
I think we need to bring back meditation.
When was the last time you truly meditated on the Lord? It’s definitely been a while for me, if I’m honest—and my life bears the fruit of that. What would it look like if we honored the gift of the Sabbath the way God intended? God Himself modeled rest for us in the beginning. That must mean it’s important, right? Jesus said He is Lord of the Sabbath. True rest is found in Him. The Sabbath points to a greater spiritual rest—one only He can provide. So how can we rest in Jesus?
We can keep our minds on Him. We can set our thoughts on the things above.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
We all have moments when our minds want to wander—to worry, stress, drama, bitterness… you name it. These thoughts bring anxiety and feelings that are the opposite of peace. The key is to stop in our tracks and set our minds on Jesus. It’s a conscious choice—a moment-by-moment decision to focus on things above. It may feel unnatural at first, but with consistency, it becomes part of who we are. That’s part of sanctification.
(We don’t have time to unpack that. That’s another blog for another time.)
I hope this blog sparks a desire in you to rest in Jesus and accept the peace that comes from surrendering to His Lordship over your life. Take time this week to pause. Be still. Listen for His voice in the quiet.
Here are a few more verses to meditate on as you seek His peace:
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (ESV)
May we all remember that true peace isn’t found in distraction, productivity, or even rest itself—but in the presence of Jesus.
Blessings,
Mellie ✨
