Hold Still & Breathe

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

Life is often noisy and rushed. We want quick results, instant answers, and immediate relief. But over and over, Scripture invites us to slow down. To pause. To hold still and breathe.

Think about taking a photo. If you move too quickly, the picture turns out blurry. A clear image comes when you steady your hand, hold still, and breathe before snapping the shot.

Or consider shooting a gun. Accuracy depends on control. A shaky hand or rushed breath can cause you to miss the mark. The same is true with a bow and arrow. An archer must draw the string back slowly, fix their eyes on the target, hold still, breathe, and then release. Without stillness, the arrow goes off course.

Athletes know this truth, too. A golfer pauses to set their stance. A baseball player takes a breath before swinging. A basketball player steadies themselves before a free throw. A soccer player focuses before the kick.

Even in yoga, breathing and stillness are at the center. A pose is not about rushing or forcing—it’s about control, calm, and balance. The body becomes stronger through stillness and intentional breath.

All of these examples point to the same lesson: success doesn’t come from frantic movement. It comes from pausing, breathing, and focusing.

Spiritually, God calls us to do the same. We want to run ahead, to solve things on our own, but He whispers: “Be still, and know that I am God.” In stillness, we learn to trust His timing. In breathing, we receive His peace. In pausing, we gain the strength we need to move forward with purpose.

Reflection Question:

Where in your life do you need to stop rushing, hold still, and breathe so God can give you peace and direction?

Prayer:

Lord, teach me the power of stillness. When my heart races and my mind spins, remind me to pause and breathe in Your presence. Help me trust Your timing and lean on Your peace. Steady me today, Lord. Amen.