Be Still and Know
Finding God in the Chaos of Motherhood
"Be still, and know that I am God." – Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
Stillness. Just the word can feel foreign in the whirlwind of motherhood. Between diaper changes, snack negotiations, sibling squabbles, and the never-ending laundry pile, the idea of being still, having a quiet moment with God? That often seems like a luxury that’s way outside the realm of possibility.
And yet, it’s exactly what my soul longs for.
Psalm 46:10 has been whispering to my heart lately: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Not do more, not try harder, not clean faster…just…be still. But how? How do I find stillness when my life feels anything but still?
The Need to Withdraw
Jesus Himself often withdrew from the crowds and His disciples to spend time with the Father. Luke 5:16 tells us, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” If the Son of God needed to retreat, to pause and connect with the Father, how much more do we?
As a mom, withdrawing can feel impossible. The demands are constant and relentless. Most days I can’t even go to the bathroom without a small voice calling out, “Mama?” (Or, let’s be honest, following me into the restroom!) I often find myself craving connection with God but unsure how to make it happen in this season of life.
And yet, God doesn’t ask us to have perfect conditions to meet with Him. He meets us right in the middle of the mess. He isn’t looking for Instagram-worthy quiet time setups. He’s looking for our hearts.
Knowing God in the Chaos
Stillness doesn’t always mean silence. It can mean pausing internally to recognize God’s presence in the moment. It can mean taking a deep breath, whispering His name in the kitchen, or turning our hearts toward Him while folding clothes or driving to the endless activities.
James 4:8 encourages us, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” That’s a promise. It doesn’t say He draws near only when everything is quiet and calm—it says He draws near when we make even the smallest movement toward Him. He’s meeting us part way!
4 Practical Ways for Moms to Be Still + Know God
Here are a few simple ways I’m learning to draw near to God, even when life is anything but quiet:
Morning Whispers
Before your feet hit the floor, whisper a prayer: “God, please get in my head before I get in my head. Walk with me today.” It sets the tone and invites Him into everything.
Sanctify the Small Moments
Turn daily tasks into sacred ones. Washing dishes? Use that time to pray. Rocking a baby? Sing a hymn. Driving by yourself? Listen to Scripture or just sit in silence and breathe deeply, asking God to speak. Driving with kids? LIsten to music about God (and pause it to explain the song when they inevitably ask “what is this song about, Mama?”).
Create a Mini-Retreat
Choose one time a week, for whatever amount of time is doable, to step away. Go to your room or take a walk and read a Psalm, journal, or just sit in God’s presence. Don’t fill it with “doing.” Just be. (Don’t have the option for someone else to occupy the kids? Bring them into the space. Give them a coloring sheet, let them watch a Bible story on YouTube (MinnoKids has some great options!), read a Bible story out loud to them.)
Make it Intentional
I’ve been thinking about how Jesus rose early in the morning or stayed up late at night to find quiet time to be with God + find myself praying to God to give me the discipline to break out of my normal routine + spend time with Him while everyone else sleeps.
Scripture on the Go
Place verses in places you frequent: by the sink, on your mirror, in the diaper bag. Let God’s Word surround you. Try Isaiah 26:3: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Print Isaiah 26:3 here!)
You’re Not Failing
If you’re a mom struggling to find time to be still with God, hear this: You are not failing. You are in a demanding season, but God is not distant. He sees your desire for Him. He knows your heart. And He will meet you right where you are.
Let’s not wait for the chaos to end before we draw near to God. Let’s meet Him in it. He’s already there, waiting to quiet our hearts with His presence.
