Start with Stillness

Start the Year with Stillness: A Gentle Pause to Hear God’s Voice

The start of a new year is full of possibilities. Goals, resolutions, and plans crowd our minds, and even the quiet moments feel busy. But what if this year, instead of rushing, we began with stillness — a gentle pause to draw near to our Father, hear His guidance, and notice how He speaks to us?

Even a few minutes of intentional focus can make a profound difference. It’s not about perfect focus or long prayers — it’s about the desire to be close to Him and listen to His voice, even amidst the noise.

Why Stillness Matters

God meets us in the small moments. A breath. A whispered prayer. A quiet glance at our day, and suddenly, His presence is there. He guides us, just as He guided Elijah — not always through thunder or dramatic events, but often in the gentle, quiet places.

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

Stillness helps us:

  • Calm our hearts

  • Notice God’s guidance

  • Respond to His nudges rather than rush past them

  • Begin the year centered, peaceful, and aware

A Beginner’s Guide to Pausing and Listening

Even if you’re new to pausing and reflecting, you can start today:

  1. Create a Small Space

    • Brew a cup of coffee or tea, sit at your favorite spot, or step outside

    • Even a few minutes is enough

  2. Open Your Heart

    • Pray::

    “Lord, I want to be close to You. Help me notice Your presence and guide me today.”

  3. Notice His Guidance

    • Listen quietly — sometimes He speaks to us, and sometimes it’s impressions, peace, scripture that comes to mind, or gentle nudges, and others.

    • Remember Elijah’s story: God spoke in the quiet after the wind, earthquake, and fire — sometimes His guidance is soft, subtle, and still

    “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27

  4. Reflect or Journal (Optional)

    • Jot down any thoughts, verses, or feelings that arise

    • Even small notes help you see His guidance over time

  5. Make it a Daily Habit

    • Just a few minutes each day matters

    “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8

  1. A Gentle Invitation

    To help you start the New Year intentionally, I created the 3-Day Stillness Pause & Listen Reset PDF earlier this month. I first shared it on January 7th, and it’s still available as a cozy, simple guide to creating space for God in your day.

    You can download it here and start the next three days to pause, notice, and let your heart draw near to Him (and continue after.).

    Even a few minutes can help you begin the year with peace, clarity, and guidance — just as He gently guided Elijah letting His voice guide you in everyday moments.

    Start your year with intentional stillness — visit my blog and enjoy your free guide today. 💛

Billie Jo Woodruff