Finding Strength in Stillness: Listening for the Lord’s Voice

Finding Joy in the Discipline of Being Still

This morning, I woke up feeling physically heavy, mentally tired, and emotionally drained. It wasn’t just fatigue—it felt like a spiritual weight pressing down on me. I glanced at the clock. It was about two hours earlier than I normally wake up or even think about getting out of bed. My first instinct was to roll over and try to fall back asleep, but then, through the quiet fog of my mind, I heard a word: “Get up and go for a walk on the beach.”

Now, let me tell you, this was so far outside my typical routine that it made me pause. I don’t usually have spontaneous beach walks penciled into my mornings, but there was a gentle, undeniable nudge in my spirit. I recognized it as the Lord speaking to me—an invitation to step away from my plans and into His presence.

I got up, brewed a quick coffee, and sat down, feeling the tug to open my Bible. Guided by the Spirit, I turned to Psalms 17 through 21 and began to read aloud. As I read, the words felt alive, cleansing my heart and mind of the weariness and oppression I’d woken up with.

"I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer." (Psalm 17:6)

These psalms became my prayer—an offering of praise, worship, and surrender to God. My heart softened as I read and prayed, and the weight began to lift. It wasn’t just for me either; as I prayed, I found myself interceding for others, lifting their burdens to the Lord. The Word, spoken aloud, felt like a weapon against the enemy’s attempts to steal my peace and joy.

When I finished, I felt revived. I dressed and headed to the beach, prayer spilling over into every step I took along the shoreline. The waves crashing beside me seemed to echo my praises. I spoke openly with the Lord, surrendering my plans, my worries, and my will. With each step, I felt lighter, more connected to Him.

As I walked, the words of Psalm 19:14 came to mind:
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

This unexpected morning reminded me of the joy that comes from the discipline of stillness, of waiting on the Lord in the secret place. It’s not always easy. Our schedules, our distractions, and even our weariness can make it tempting to put off this sacred time. But in moments like these, I’ve learned that being still before God and listening for His voice isn’t just a discipline—it’s a delight.

It humbles me to realize how deeply personal our relationship with Jesus is. He knows exactly what we need, even when we don’t. This morning, I needed renewal, but I also needed to let go of my plans and allow Him to guide me. That small, quiet prompting to go to the beach became a doorway to increased faith and sensitivity to His voice.

Through the discipline of being still and waiting on Him, I’m learning to trust His timing and His plans more fully. It cultivates humility—reminding me that He is God, and I am not. And it deepens my relationship with Him, drawing me closer to His heart.

Friend, if you’re feeling heavy, weary, or stuck, I encourage you to find joy in the stillness. Quiet your heart before the Lord, listen for His voice, and trust His leading. He will meet you there, refresh your spirit, and guide you in ways you can’t imagine.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

I left the beach this morning feeling lighter than I have in days, filled with gratitude and renewed strength. And it all began with a quiet word in the stillness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for meeting us in the stillness and speaking to our hearts when we feel weary and weighed down. Help us to recognize Your voice and respond with trust and obedience. Renew our spirits with Your Word, fill us with Your peace, and guide us to lay all our burdens at Your feet. May we find joy and strength in surrendering to Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.