08/31/2026
You know what’s mesmerizing about watching two professional dancers? They move as if they share one mind, one heartbeat. Every step, turn, and lift happens in perfect sync. Their movements look effortless, but that kind of unity comes from countless hours of practicing together, learning each other’s rhythms until anticipating the next step becomes second nature. This is similar to how we learn to live in God’s peace. It’s not something we figure out through willpower but rather something we grow into through relationship: We learn to move in rhythm with the Holy Spirit, becoming so familiar with God’s presence that resting in Him feels natural. But here’s where it gets counterintuitive: The best way to learn this dance is to stop trying so hard and simply be still.
God’s not impressed by our spiritual busyness or our elaborate prayers. He wants us—present, unhurried, and ready to sit in His company. In a sermon titled “The Requirements of Biblical Meditation,” Dr. Stanley taught: “When it comes to growing in an intimate relationship with God through prayer and meditation, you need to be secluded with Him. And that requires time, stillness, silence, and a submissive spirit.”
This can be uncomfortable at first because our mind is used to constant activity. So start small. Find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted, and just sit for a minute or two. Set a timer if it helps. You’re not trying to empty your mind or achieve some mystical state. You’re simply quieting your body. And as you gradually extend the time—to five minutes, 10, or maybe 15—something starts to happen. When your body grows still, your heart and mind follow suit. And in that stillness, you’ll start to notice something profound: It’s not just the absence of noise. There’s a presence. There’s Someone waiting to meet with you, as eager for this time together as you are.
Adapted from “Peaceful & Still: How to Experience God’s Rest in an Anxious Age” by In Touch Ministries Staff
