Stillness in a Chaotic world (2)

Sermon: “Stillness in a Chaotic World"

July 6th 2025

Text: Psalm 37:7 (NIV) & Psalm 46:10 (NIV) Theme: Trusting God Through Stillness, Patience, and Perspective

Introduction: Roller Coaster Life

(Play a roller coaster video)

How many of you love roller coasters? Growing up in Sandusky, Cedar Point was literally in my backyard.

I remember hearing the train whistle from my house. Every summer, with a season pass in hand, I’d ride my bike to the boat docks, take the ferry, and spend the day riding coasters.

I had my favorite rides. But today? Let’s just say, something’s changed. I see those loops and drops and think— “Nope, I’m good.”

But whenever I see a roller coaster now, it reminds me of life.

I feel like our lives are like a rollercoaster.

They are spinning upside down, there twist, turns hills, sudden drops.  Let’s just face it our lives can be chaotic. 

Life can be chaotic.

We all go through seasons in life:

· Seasons of busyness.

· Seasons of setbacks and pain.

· Seasons where we feel like something should’ve happened by now—but it hasn’t.

In my own life I’ve had many of those seasons. Maybe you have too.

This last spring my life was that roller coaster.  It was twist in every direction, hills and sudden drops.

I was taking these things to God and one day I really felt the God showed me something.  Something that I knew about.

Something that was missing. 

That’s what I want to share with you today.

We’re going to look at simple profound verses—Psalm 37:7 and Psalm 46:10—and rediscover the spiritual discipline of being still.

Brief Background on Psalms

As you turn with me in your bibles to Psalms let me give you a brief background on Psalms.

David wrote much of the book of Psalms. His life was anything but calm: shepherd, fugitive, warrior, king. A roller coaster if there ever was one.

The Psalms reflect his real experiences—praise, fear, trust, failure, and renewal. In Psalm 37, David speaks from old age and wisdom (v. 25). He offers guidance on how to live faithfully in a world that feels upside down.

Psalm 37:7:

“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 46:10:

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

In a world that’s always moving, always rushing, always reacting, God gives us a very different command.

God calls us to stillness. Be still. Not just still in body—but in mind, spirit, and attitude.

Stillness feels like weakness in our culture, but in God’s kingdom, stillness is where faith grows.

Let me ask you: when was the last time you were truly still? Not scrolling, not stressing, not comparing—just still?

This morning, my heart is not to look at stillness to be lazy but look at stillness as a spiritual discipline we need to add to our lives.

In a world that is always moving, always reacting, God calls us to stillness. Not laziness. Not idleness. But a quiet, confident trust.

Today I want us to see 3 truths about stillness.

3 Truths About Stillness

“Be still before the Lord…” (Psalm 37:7)

The first truth about stillness I want you to see today is:

1. Trust God’s Presence

Stillness is not the absence of problems—it’s the presence of trust.

It’s a spiritual posture where you stop striving and start surrendering.

To trust God’s presence means you believe He is near—even when you don’t feel Him. Jesus models this kind of stillness powerfully.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus made it a regular practice to withdraw and be still in the presence of the Father.

Luke 5:16 says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

He wasn't running from responsibility—He was reconnecting with His source.

Before major decisions (like choosing the disciples), after great miracles (like feeding the 5,000), and even before the cross, Jesus prioritized stillness.

In doing so, He showed that stillness isn’t weakness—it’s preparation. It’s how we recharge, refocus, and realign with God’s will.

And Jesus didn’t only practice stillness—He brought it.

In Mark 4:39, when the disciples were panicking in a storm, Jesus stood and said,

Mark 4:39 He got up, rebucked the wind and said to the waves“Quiet! Be still!”

And the wind and waves obeyed. That moment revealed something powerful:

His inner stillness had authority over outer chaos.

When we’re with Jesus, we don’t just find rest—we carry His peace into the storm. His presence brings stillness.

Stillness helps us tune in to the reality that God is Emmanuel—God with us. And when you realize He’s with you, you don’t have to panic about what’s around you.

Illustration: Think of an hourglass. You can’t speed it up by shaking it. You can’t force the sand to fall faster. You just have to let it run its course. God’s timing is the same—you can’t rush it.

Being still means turning the hourglass over to Him and trusting Him with the process.

Cross-References:

· Exodus 14:14– “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

· Isaiah 30:15– “In quietness and trust is your strength.”

· Lamentations 3:25–26– “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

· Zechariah 2:13– “Be still before the Lord, all mankind.”

Application:In your chaos—be still. In your anxiety—be still. Not because you know the outcome, but because you know the One in control.

Psalm 37:7:

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him

“…and wait patiently for Him…”

The second truth about stillness is:

2. Trust God’s Process

God’s never early, but He’s never late. Waiting isn’t wasted—it’s formative.

Scripture is filled with examples of people who had to wait for God's promises to unfold, and their waiting became part of their preparation.

Abrahamwaited 25 years for Isaac to be born after God promised him a son (Genesis 12–21). His faith wavered at times, but

Romans 4:20 tells us that Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,"

Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God."

Josephspent over a decade in slavery and prison before seeing the fulfillment of his dreams (Genesis 37–41).

While it looked like delay, it was actually divine development. God used the waiting to refine Joseph's character and prepare him for leadership in Egypt.

Davidwas anointed king as a teenager but waited many years—facing betrayal, exile, and danger—before taking the throne (1 Samuel 16–2 Samuel 5). His psalms during those seasons reflect a man learning to trust God's timing.

God’s process often involves pruning, preparation, and patience. He’s more concerned with who we’re becoming than how quickly we arrive.

New Testament Insight:James 1:4 says, "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Waiting is not just about enduring time—it’s about embracing transformation.

Story: The Bamboo Tree: In Asia, there’s a species of bamboo that’s famous for how it grows.

When a farmer plants the seed, for the first five years, nothing happens above ground. No sprout. No leaf. Nothing to show.

But under the surface, the root system is spreading wide and deep. Then, in the fifth year, the bamboo shoots up more than 90 feet in just six weeks.

Was it growing in year one? Yes. Year two? Absolutely. Just not where anyone could see.

Some of us are in the silent seasons—the years of unseen growth. But don’t give up. When you’re waiting on God, you’re not wasting time. You’re growing roots.

Application:What have you been praying for? Hoping for? Longing for?  Keep waiting.  Don’t microwave what God’s slow-cooking.

Wait on Him. Trust that His process is preparing you for His promise.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God…”

The 3rd truth about stillness is:

3. Trust God’s Sovereignty

Stillness isn’t just silence—it’s certainty. A quiet confidence that God is still God.

Psalm 46 was written in a time of national turmoil and threat—likely during a military crisis. The psalm describes earthquakes, roaring waters, and nations in uproar (v. 2–6), yet right in the middle of that chaos, God says, “Be still.”

This command isn't passive; it’s authoritative. It's God reminding His people that no matter how unstable things seem, He is immovable. His sovereignty is unshaken.

Throughout Scripture, we see God reminding His people of this truth:

· Isaiah 46:9–10 – “I am God, and there is no other… My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”

· Daniel 4:35 – “He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.”

· Revelation 19:6 – “For our Lord God Almighty reigns.”

These verses affirm that God rules not just when things are going well, but especially when the world feels out of control.

In the New Testament, Jesus embodies this truth in how He calms the storm (Mark 4:39), and in how He responds with quiet authority before Pilate (John 19:10–11). His stillness in the face of earthly power showed divine confidence.

Illustration: The Foggy Drive Have you ever driven through thick fog? You can only see a few feet in front of you, but you keep driving because you trust the road is there.

You may not see the destination, but you know it’s up ahead.

That’s what it’s like to walk by faith. You may not see the full picture, but God sees the road. Trust the road maker.

Application: Stillness is saying, I don’t need to know everything—I just need to know He is God.

Stillness is surrender to the One who already holds the outcome

Again, in the spring when I felt like my life was a roller coaster.  I really believes God showed me these three truths about stillness

1. Trust God’s presence

2. Trust God’s process

3. Trust God’s sovereignty

And out of that I God what’s all of us to:

Make Stillness a Lifestyle — Practice God’s Presence

Health Benefits of Stillness Modern science affirms what Scripture teaches: being still has deep physical and mental benefits.

· Reduces stress and anxietyby lowering cortisol levels.

· Improves focus and clarity, helping the brain reset.

· Regulates emotions, reducing reactivity.

· Lowers blood pressureand supports heart health.

· Improves sleep qualityand relaxation.

· Boosts immune systemby reducing chronic stress.

When paired with prayer or Scripture meditation, stillness doesn’t just restore the body—it aligns your spirit with truth and brings holistic peace.

Psalm 37:7 isn’t just advice—it’s a command. Stillness is not meant to be an occasional emergency response; it’s meant to be a rhythm of life.

Practicing the presence of God means intentionally building our lives around awareness of Him—not just in crisis but in every moment.

In the Old Testament, Enoch is described as someone who "walked with God" (Genesis 5:24). He lived a lifestyle of closeness and constant fellowship. His stillness was not inactivity—it was communion.

Similarly, Noah walked with God (Genesis 6:9), even in the midst of a corrupt generation.

Danieloffers another powerful example. Despite living in Babylon, he maintained a regular rhythm of stillness and prayer—three times a day (Daniel 6:10). That pattern of presence sustained him through lions’ dens and royal pressures.

In the New Testament, Mary of Bethanyexemplifies stillness when she sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teaching (Luke 10:39).

Her sister Martha is distracted by all the preparations, but Jesus says Mary “has chosen what is better.”

The early church in Acts also practiced rhythms of prayer, teaching, breaking bread, and fellowship (Acts 2:42–47). Their stillness in spiritual habits made room for boldness and power in their witness.

Living in God’s presence is less about location and more about orientation. It means we live with spiritual awareness—pausing to pray, listen, and realign throughout our day.

Spiritual Benefits of Being Still

Stillness is not only restorative to our bodies but transformative for our souls. Scripture reveals that spiritual stillness produces lasting fruit in our walk with God:

1. Increased Awareness of God’s Presence “Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10 Stillness silences distraction so we can better sense God's nearness.

2. Deeper Intimacy with God “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8 Quieting your heart allows for deeper connection with the Lord.

3. Clarity and Discernment “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27 Stillness creates space to hear God’s direction.

4. Strengthened Faith and Trust “In quietness and trust is your strength.” – Isaiah 30:15 Stillness teaches us to rely on God’s presence, not our performance.

5. Emotional and Spiritual Healing “He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.” – Psalm 23:2–3 God uses stillness to renew the heart, mend wounds, and give rest.

6. Alignment with God’s Will “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2 Stillness helps recalibrate our thoughts and motives toward God's purpose.

In a chaotic world how do we be still?

How to Be Still (Practically):

1. Unplug— Start your day without screens.

2. Reflect— Journal your thoughts and fears.

3. Pray Honestly— Speak to God as you are.

4. Read Scripture— Let truth ground your day.

5. Listen— Sit in silence after prayer.

Modern Life Illustration: Airplane Mode When your phone is in airplane mode, you’re not connected. You can’t hear from anyone. Some of us are spiritually in airplane mode—not because God isn’t speaking, but because we haven’t slowed down enough to connect. Stillness is spiritual connection mode.

Stillness is not just a moment—it’s a habit. And it’s how spiritual strength is built.

Stillness is spiritual connection mode. It’s not a one-time pause. It’s a daily practice.

Conclusion:

Illustration: My wife Maren and I are blessed we have 4 wonderful adults kids who all serve the Lord. 

We also have 4 beautiful grandkids.  I love being Dad but I really love being Grandpa.

“What’s that you want to see pictures”?

Picture 1 of Maren and I with the babies.

Give names of the kids.

Recently Maren and I took our oldest grandkid Harper to Cedar Point. 

We had a blast.  Watching her in kiddie land. 

As we made our way over to camp Snoopy the rides get a little more intense. 

I thought for sure she wouldn’t like so much.  She proved me wrong.

She had no fear. And we started to notice something. 

She started to raise her hands during the ride.

Picture 2

Her hands never went down.  She kept them up the whole time.

And when I think about that moment, I’m reminded again that our life is roller-coaster.  It’s chaos.

Some of us are ridding life with are hands up.  We are taking the hills, and the drops with our hands in the sky.

Others are holding onto the lap or the shoulder harness.

Others have their eyes closed and your spinning out of control.  Your roller coaster is spinning and spinning. 

And I’m reminded if we can find stillness, we will find that we can

1. Trust God’s presence

2. Trust God’s process

3. Trust God’s sovereignty

And when find that and than we can find ourselves on the rollarcoaster of life we can ride that ride with our hands up.

Stillness is not weakness. It’s spiritual strength.

It’s how we thrive in chaos. It’s how we say, “God, I trust You more than myself.”

Call to Action:This week, choose stillness:

· Start your mornings in silence and Scripture.

· Lay down your worry.

· Release your timelines.

Final Word:God meets us in the quiet—not in the chaos. Let’s meet Him there.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach us to be still. Quiet our anxious minds. Strengthen our patience. Deepen our trust. Help us wait with hope, worship in silence, and walk in peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.