Be Still.

Read Scripture: Matthew 11:28, Luke 6:12, Psalm 143:8, Psalm 90:14

Part of my every day morning routine is drinking coffee. I love sitting and drinking coffee, but I also love the act of making it. I don’t use a Keurig—I like to use my nice little coffee maker. I almost always buy whole bean coffee because it definitely tastes better, and I like to grind it each morning. When I have a little extra time, I love to make a pour over because it brings out the flavor more. Overall, my coffee-making process is slower than it could be. It’s not the easiest, fastest coffee making routine, and I like it that way. Unlike so many other things in my life today, it slows me down and forces me to be patient and still for a moment.

I live at a pretty fast pace, and I’m sure you can relate to that feeling, whether it’s now or in the past. Long to-do lists fill our days with lots of people to see and many important things to do. That’s not bad—it’s actually good. This life is not to be wasted. God has important things for us each day, and that’s something to step into, not run away from. But we can’t step into all that God has for us without being still with Him in precious moments.

Dwelling in His presence.

Reading His Word and spending time in prayer.

A full life is exhausting without Jesus in it, and deeply fulfilling with Jesus. I’ve tried living my life full and busy for myself and in my own strength, and I only ever felt defeated and tired. Living in dependence on Christ is where fulfillment and joy are found. 

It might just be making coffee, but it helps me set the tone for the morning. The very next thing I do is open my Bible, my study, and my journal.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

“Satisfy us in the morning with your faithful love so that we may shout with joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 

“Let me experience your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in you. Reveal to me the way I should go because I appeal to you.” Psalm 143:8 

“During those days he went out to the mountain to pray and spend all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12 

These Scriptures (and many more) are an encouragement for us to seek Jesus in the quiet place. When we slow down to bring our worship, our joy and our struggle to the feet of Jesus each day, He renews and strengthens our hearts (Isaiah 40:31).

This doesn’t always look the same way day-to-day. Maybe for you, it’s waking up earlier, staying up later, listening to the Bible while you drive alone, or taking a walk during your lunch break, and praying consistently throughout the day. Whatever it means to be still before Jesus in your current season of life, it’s worth the effort. He is the only One who can fulfill, the only One who fully sees you, knows you and loves you perfectly. No amount of self-care will measure up to the love Jesus wants to pour onto you. Jesus uses a simple, unimportant thing like coffee to remind me to slow down and be still before Him every day, and He wants to do the same for you.

I need my God, my Savior, His Spirit, the Bible more than anything else in the world. I am weak, but He is strong. I was dead, but He made me alive. I was captive, but He has freed me. I am broken, but He is perfectly pure. I am undeserving, but His love is great enough. 

Don't miss out, friend!