The surface of the lake looks like glass, especially during quiet mornings. Even during holiday weekends, when boat traffic makes for choppy water, there is a moment of stillness in the early morning. If you’ve ever water-skied, that first run up the lake at daybreak on smooth water is like flying.

But in the middle of the day, the Sea-Doos zoom up and down the lake like hummingbirds, the waves from the wake boats churn the water, and the slow-moving pontoons plod through the action like workhorses. Forget smooth skiing during high noon on a holiday weekend. You might need a knee replacement when all is said and done.

When I’m swimming at the dock during such a busy time, and I see the waves from a boat heading my way, I often choose to roll over on my back, be still, and float. The roar of the boat engine is still there, but it is muffled because my ears are in the water. I can feel the waves as they rise and fall beneath me, but it is not the same as facing them head-on. I look up at the sky and at the clouds, imagining shapes of animals in their puffy roundness. I notice the rays of golden sunlight glinting through the tall green pines and the stately oaks lining the banks.

And then, I close my eyes, and I’m at peace. I’m still surrounded by constant motion, but I am not bothered by it anymore.

I sometimes feel the same kind of turbulence in the depths of my soul. What brings it on? Saying “yes” to too many obligations. Growing frustrated with situations for which no help seems possible. Turning on the nightly news and hearing one too many hard stories. 

When I feel the waves of the world pummeling me, threatening to overtake me, what is my only defense?

I can still take up the position of stillness, quietness, and peace. 

It is what God would have me to do, both to let Him work, and to keep from overextending myself. 

It’s not the same as being in denial. It’s not putting my head in the sand like an ostrich and pretending my problems have vanished. It’s not being lazy, either. I can’t float like a limp dishrag on top of the water, or I’ll soon find myself beneath the waves. My body has to be engaged with the elements. It’s just in a different position than before.

Our default mode is often “on and ready,” moving here and there about our business, and sometimes everyone else’s too. From there, it’s easy to gear up into overdrive. Too much time spent there, though, and it’s not long before we reach a stage of burnout.

I’ve been there, and it’s not fun. Life loses its meaning, while I’m running away on a hamster wheel of my own making, going nowhere.

On the other hand, being still is a conscious choice. When I’m still, I notice what is around me more. I see my family and my loved ones more clearly. I become more aware that my body needs rest and proper care. I notice other people who might need help. I can prioritize needs better.

More importantly, I’m not fighting losing battles anymore. I learn to pick and choose more carefully. I learn to say “no” to the things that might threaten to drown me.

And the best part: God is taking care of it all. 

Even when we’re fighting away, He is still at work, but He does not desire that we wear ourselves out with constant striving. Verses about stillness are not for God’s benefit.

They are for His children.

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Exodus 14:14 NIV

Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.

Psalm 4:4 NKJV

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:7 NIV

When we master the art of stillness, we can truly become the kind of people that God intends us to be. We are still engaged with the world, but we are far less likely to become overwhelmed by the waves that daily crash against us. 

We learn that we don’t have to be in control of it all, because that is a lie we tell ourselves. The truth is that there is a greater One who is in control, and He is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory.

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Psalm 46:10 ESV

Exalt the Lord with your stillness. Let Him be who He is.