Thankful for Quiet Moments

Hey, carpool crew. Do you like it when it's quiet? Sometimes. So do I. Now I'm going to be a little louder, so let's kick things off. I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. Let me ask you something. Does life ever feel loud to you? Maybe your mornings start off with alarms, chatter, music, breakfast, chaos, or trying to find both shoes and shoes that match. Then school, sports, homework, it can all feel like a nonstop race. But what if I told you some of the most powerful moments with God happen when things get quiet, moments when you slow down, breathe, and listen. Today we're talking about being thankful for quiet moments, the kind that help you rest, think, and feel closer to God. Today's verse is from Psalm chapter 46 verse 10. Stop fighting, and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth. This verse was written during a time when Israel was surrounded by trouble, wars, noise, chaos everywhere. God's people were afraid, wondering what would happen next, but right in the middle of that storm, God said, be still. In Hebrew, that phrase literally means let go. Stop trying to control everything. It's God's way of saying, I'm still in charge, even when you are not. That's what quiet moments remind us of. When we pause the noise, God gets louder in our hearts. If Jesus were sitting right next to you in the car or at the breakfast table, I think he'd say, you don't always have to fill the silence. You can slow down. I can fill that space with calm and peace. That's something to be thankful for. Now, I love when you talk to me, but I also love when you just rest and know that I'm near. Think for a moment of when you're riding in the car at night and everything outside is dark and still. You can see the streetlights or maybe hear the hum of the road. That kind of quiet can feel, well, peaceful. That's what it's like when you stop and rest with God. You don't have to do anything. Just breathe and be thankful that he's with you. Or maybe you're lying in bed before sleep. Maybe you listen to one of the Goodnight Psalms, and that's another time to be quiet and say, thank you, God, for today. Quiet doesn't have to be empty. It's a space for peace to grow. So how can you live this out today? First, find a quiet moment, and then thank God for it. It could be a few minutes in your room before bed. It could be sitting in the car while waiting for practice. A quiet moment in the morning while everyone's waking up. When it's quiet, take a deep breath and say, thank you, God, for this moment. I know you're with me. The world is loud, but God often speaks in the quiet. When you slow down and make space for God to talk, you'll start to notice his peace showing up in places you've never expected. So today, find a quiet moment. Let it remind you that God is here. God is good, and be thankful for that. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, if you like the podcast, consider going over to Instagram at carpooling with Jesus and give us a follow or share a photo of you and your family enjoying the podcast together. Before you go, answer this question. When's a time this week you could find a quiet moment to pause, breathe, and say thank you to God? I'll see you tomorrow on carpooling with Jesus.