Choosing Stillness in a Noisy World
We are so full of chatter.
Noise presses in from every side—opinions, opportunities, distractions, demands. Life can start to feel like a barrage, and before we know it, we’re reacting more than choosing. Pulled here and there, we may feel slightly out of control. God isn’t really guiding our lives—not because He’s absent, but because we’re not slowing down enough to notice or respond.
And the beat goes on.
So how do we step off this treadmill of shallowness?
One simple, difficult, and deeply transformative practice: intentional silence.
Silence creates space—for connection with your real self (which can feel unsettling at first), for encountering the real God, and for learning to speak and live with greater depth, clarity, and authority.
When we intentionally slow down, step away from the noise, and allow ourselves to be still, things begin to surface. What has been hidden or dormant in us often rises to the top. This isn’t always comfortable. In fact, much of our busyness may be driven—at least in part—by a desire to avoid what we might feel if we stopped: grief, disappointment, regret, unresolved conflict, or long-ignored questions.
Stillness invites us to let the dust settle. Only then can we begin to see who we actually are beneath the noise, the striving, the control, and the subtle posing we all fall into.
But what if we don’t like what we discover?
As hard as that can be, it’s far better to know the truth sooner rather than later. Awareness gives us the chance to bring what we find into the light—with God, with ourselves, and sometimes with others. Living in honest awareness is far healthier than remaining in a quiet, repressed denial. God, who lovingly created us and loves us right now as we are, will help us understand and receive the gift of our unique selves.
This unearthing usually isn’t quick. It often requires time—simply being with God, learning from Him, and allowing His transforming presence to do its work. Stillness plays a central role in real healing.
When we are still, we can begin to know God in a deeper way. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In silence, we’re reminded that God is in charge—and that we are not. There’s no manipulating, hiding, or rationalizing here. Often, there is simply presence. And sometimes, a surprising flood of His love. To be silent with God—much like being silent with someone you love—is to truly be with Him.
This kind of stillness isn’t something we master quickly. It takes practice… lifelong practice. So why not begin?
Start small. Plan a few short times each week. Let that grow into a daily rhythm, and eventually into brief moments sprinkled throughout your day. You might sit or walk—try both and see what fits. Don’t work hard at being still; ease into it. When thoughts arise (and they will), don’t fight them. Notice them, then let them drift by. Don’t try to accomplish anything—or even do it “right.” Just be.
There is something deeply freeing about simply being with God.
Don’t knock it until you try it. And don’t give up until you’ve tried it—say—57 times.
And if this all feels a bit too abstract or “out there” right now, try this first: be still with someone you love. Sit together without reading, scrolling, or filling the space. Just be present. You may be surprised by how deep and meaningful the experience becomes.
Stillness has a way of opening doors we didn’t even know were there.
With you,
~ Coach Tom
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P.S. ... If you are stalled in life, or particularly if you are in transition, here are three ways I can help you Get Clear, Get Focused and Be Fruitful!
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