Finding God in the Quiet Moments of Everyday Life
In a world where we are constantly rushing ~ from one appointment to the next, from one notification to another ~ stillness can feel almost impossible. Yet, the truth is, God often meets us not in the noise, but in the quiet. Stillness is not just about external silence but about cultivating an inner posture of rest and attentiveness.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that stillness rarely happens in dramatic or grand ways. More often, I encounter it in the ordinary ~ in the pauses, the interruptions, and even the annoyances of daily life. Let me share a few stories that have taught me to see stillness differently, and then offer some ways you can begin to notice God’s presence in your own everyday rhythms.
Swaddling a Baby: Learning to Rest in God’s Care
When my children were little, there were evenings when they could not fall asleep no matter what I tried. Their bodies wriggled, their little arms pushed against my attempts to comfort them, and their cries echoed my own frustration. But then, I would swaddle them tightly in a blanket. At first, they resisted. And then, slowly, their breathing softened, their movements quieted, and peace filled the room.
That image stays with me: how often I resist stillness the same way. I wriggle against it, filling my time with busyness and distraction. Yet, like a swaddled child, my soul longs to be held, to rest, to surrender into God’s care.
Tip for you: The next time you find yourself fighting to rest, ask: What would it look like to let myself be swaddled by God’s love? Set a timer for just two or three minutes, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and imagine being wrapped in God’s embrace. Notice how your body softens as you allow yourself to rest.
The Slow Fridge: Turning Annoyance Into Prayer
When we moved into a new home, our refrigerator had a water dispenser that seemed unbearably slow. Filling a single glass took thirty seconds ~ an eternity when you’re thirsty. I grew impatient, tapping my fingers on the counter, huffing with frustration. Then my mother suggested something that changed everything: “Why not use those 30 seconds for a prayer or a moment of gratitude?”
That simple reframing turned irritation into invitation. Each time I filled my glass, I began to pause ~ sometimes offering thanks, other times whispering a short prayer. Thirty seconds wasn’t wasted anymore. It became a sacred pocket of stillness woven into my day.
Tip for you: Notice your “slow moments” ~ waiting for the kettle to boil, for your computer to restart, or for a red light to turn green. Instead of reaching for your phone, try turning these into small prayers. Whisper thanks for one good thing in your day, or simply breathe and say, “God, I’m here right now.”
Waiting and Trust: Stillness in the Unknown
Stillness often feels like waiting, and waiting can be uncomfortable. We want answers, clarity, movement. Yet scripture teaches us that waiting is not empty but full of meaning. Psalm 25 reminds us: “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in You, O my God, I trust… In the stillness, I wait for Your voice to guide me.”
When I’ve faced seasons of uncertainty ~ unsure of what comes next, longing for change but unable to make it happen ~ stillness has not come easily. But when I’ve paused and allowed the waiting itself to be prayer, I’ve found a surprising peace. Waiting with God becomes less about what I receive at the end and more about the presence I experience along the way.
Invitation for you: If you are in a season of waiting, bring it into prayer. Close your eyes, breathe slowly, and as you inhale say: “Loving God,” As you exhale, say: “Guide my way.” Repeat this for several breaths and let the words root you in God’s presence.
Breathing Through Restlessness: A Simple Prayer Practice
Stillness is not always peaceful at first. Sometimes when I sit in silence, my mind is flooded with worries, my to-do list grows louder, and my body feels restless. But instead of giving up, I’ve learned to turn that restlessness into prayer.
One practice that has helped me is breath prayer. With each inhale, I name God: “Jesus,” “Creator,” or “Spirit.” With each exhale, I voice my need: “peace,” “mercy,” “strength.” Slowly, the distractions fade and my heart quiets.
Invitation for you: Create your own breath prayer. Choose a word for God that feels personal to you, and pair it with a need or desire. For example: “Spirit… bring me peace.” Practice for just two minutes, letting the rhythm of your breath carry the prayer.
Finding Stillness in Ordinary Life
What I’ve learned is that stillness doesn’t require hours of uninterrupted silence or a retreat far from home. Instead, it’s something that can be woven gently into the ordinary flow of life, without needing to step away from it. It can happen in the small pauses:
When you swaddle a restless child.
When you wait for water to fill a glass.
When you pause in line at the grocery store.
When you breathe through your restlessness.
These are all invitations to turn ordinary life into sacred space. Stillness is less about the setting and more about the posture of our hearts.
Final Encouragement
Stillness may feel countercultural, even uncomfortable at first. But it is one of the most life-giving practices we can embrace. By slowing down and allowing ourselves to rest in God’s presence, we resist the pressures of constant productivity and reconnect with what is most true.
As you go about your week, I encourage you to look for one ordinary moment where you can practice stillness. It doesn’t need to be long or perfect — even 30 seconds of quiet can re-center you. And as you do, may you find God waiting for you there, ready to hold you in love.
If you’re ready to go deeper, here are two simple ways to begin:
Habits for the Spirit Course
Discover spiritual practices ~ like stillness, tending, and movement ~ that help you connect with God in everyday life.
The Deeper Well Membership
Get access to the full Habits for the Spirit course plus community, resources, and ongoing encouragement.
