Guard Your Steps: Coming to Church to Listen and Be Still

Devotional

Day 1: Guard Your Steps as You Come to Worship

Approach God’s house with intention, leaving behind distractions and burdens.

"Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know that they are doing evil." (Ecclesiastes 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific worry or distraction you can intentionally lay down before entering into worship this week, so you can truly listen for God’s voice?

Day 2: Be Still and Know That He Is God

Stillness before God allows us to surrender, find peace, and recognize His sovereignty.

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

Reflection: When was the last time you truly paused in silence before God? Set aside five minutes today to be still and invite Him to speak into your heart.

Day 3: Reorient Your Heart Through the Journey of Worship

As we journey toward God, we let go of strife and refocus on His help and presence.

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber." (Psalm 121:1-3, ESV)

Reflection: What “wars” or contentions are you carrying from your week? How can you choose peace and refocus on God’s help as you prepare for worship?

Day 4: Trust in God’s Surrounding Presence and Protection

God surrounds His people with steadfast love and security, even in times of trouble.

"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore." (Psalm 125:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust that God is surrounding and protecting you right now? What would it look like to rest in that assurance today?

Day 5: Reclaim Faith and Peace in God’s House

Coming to God’s house is an opportunity to reclaim faith, receive peace, and be renewed for the week ahead.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7, ESV)

Reflection: As you gather for worship this week, how can you open your heart to reclaim faith and receive God’s peace, letting it shape your outlook for the days to come?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered in the freedom and joy of worship, celebrating the presence of God among us and the privilege of coming together as His people. We were reminded that every time we approach God—whether in worship, prayer, or gathering as a church—He meets us at our point of need, ready to heal, restore, and speak to us. The invitation was extended to all, whether for the first time or as a return, to surrender our lives to Jesus, to receive forgiveness, and to step into the fullness of being a child of God. We prayed for those with physical and emotional needs, believing that Jesus is our healer and that He desires to touch every broken place in our lives.

Turning to the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, we reflected on Solomon’s deep evaluation of life—its pursuits, its emptiness, and ultimately, its meaning. Solomon’s counsel to “guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools” calls us to approach God with intentionality and humility. Too often, we carry the noise, burdens, and foolish advice of the week into God’s presence, missing the opportunity to truly hear from Him. The challenge is to lay aside the distractions, the arguments, and the anxieties, and to come with a posture of listening, ready to receive what God wants to say.

We explored the call of Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God,” as a practical and spiritual discipline. Being still is not just about physical quietness, but about surrendering our struggles, releasing control, and trusting in God’s sovereignty. It is in this stillness that we find peace, clarity, and the ability to hear God’s voice above the chaos. The Psalms of Ascent, sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem, illustrate this process of leaving behind the turmoil and refocusing on God’s faithfulness and protection. As we come together, we are invited to let go of the week’s troubles, to refuse the noise of foolishness, and to reorient our hearts toward God, knowing that He surrounds us, keeps us, and desires to crown us with His presence.

The journey to the house of God is not just a physical act, but a spiritual one—a movement from chaos to peace, from confusion to clarity, from striving to surrender. In this place, faith is reclaimed, peace enters the troubled heart, and we are reminded that God is with us, guarding our steps and empowering us to overcome.

Key Takeaways

1. Approach God with Intentionality and Humility Guarding our steps as we come to God means being mindful of our spiritual posture. Rather than rushing in with our own agendas or the noise of the week, we are called to approach with humility, ready to listen and receive. This intentionality opens the way for genuine transformation and encounter with God. [90:03]
2. Lay Aside the Noise and Distractions We often carry burdens, arguments, and the foolish advice of others into God’s presence, which can cloud our ability to hear Him. The call is to drop these distractions at the door, refusing to let them dominate our worship or our minds. Only in this uncluttered space can we truly discern God’s voice and direction. [94:18]
3. The Power of Stillness: Surrender and Trust “Be still and know that I am God” is an invitation to cease striving and to surrender control. Stillness is not passivity, but a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and timing, even when life feels chaotic. In this surrendered posture, we find peace and the assurance that God is working on our behalf. [98:04]
4. Reorient Your Heart Through Worship and the Word The Psalms of Ascent show us the importance of reorienting our hearts as we journey toward God. By focusing on His faithfulness, protection, and help, we move from turmoil to trust. This spiritual ascent prepares us to receive from God and to walk in the security of His presence. [103:00]
5. Faith is Reclaimed in God’s Presence No matter what we have faced during the week—pain, turmoil, or confusion—coming into God’s presence is an opportunity to reclaim faith. As we let go of the past and focus on God, peace enters our hearts and we are reminded that He is with us, empowering us to overcome every challenge. [109:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[45:41] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[46:31] - Celebrating with Song
[52:15] - Invitation to Salvation
[54:54] - Prayer for Salvation and Healing
[58:49] - Ministry Time and Worship
[62:18] - Beauty in God’s Presence
[74:20] - Family and Children’s Blessing
[87:18] - Personal Testimony and Update
[88:29] - Reading Ecclesiastes 5
[90:03] - Guarding Your Steps to God’s House
[94:18] - Laying Aside Distractions
[98:04] - The Call to Stillness
[102:20] - The Psalms of Ascent
[109:54] - Reclaiming Faith and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 (ESV) — > Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words. When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.

Psalm 46:10 (ESV) — > “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Psalm 121:1-3 (ESV) — > I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

Observation Questions

According to Ecclesiastes 5:1, what does it mean to “guard your steps” as you go to the house of God? What is the difference between listening and offering the “sacrifice of fools”? ([01:30:03])
In Psalm 46:10, what is the command given, and what is the result of obeying it?
The sermon described the journey to the house of God as both a physical and spiritual act. What are some of the “hazards” or distractions mentioned that people often bring with them? ([01:33:57])
In Psalm 121:1-3, what does the psalmist say about where his help comes from, and how does this relate to the theme of the sermon?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Solomon warns us to “guard our steps” and to “draw near to listen” rather than to speak quickly or offer empty sacrifices? What might be the consequences of not doing this? ([01:30:03])
The sermon talked about “laying aside the noise and distractions” before coming into God’s presence. Why is it so hard to do this, and what are some of the effects if we don’t? ([01:34:18])
“Be still and know that I am God” is described as more than just being quiet. What does true stillness look like according to the sermon, and how does it help us trust God? ([01:38:04])
The Psalms of Ascent were sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. How does this practice help believers today reorient their hearts toward God, especially after a difficult week? ([01:43:00])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to approach God with intentionality and humility, not just rushing in with our own agendas. What are some practical ways you can “guard your steps” before coming to church or spending time with God this week? ([01:30:03])
Think about the “noise” or distractions you typically carry into worship—worries, arguments, or even the advice of others. What is one specific distraction you need to lay aside, and how can you do that before your next time with God? ([01:34:18])
“Be still and know that I am God” is an invitation to surrender and trust. Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to let go of control? What would it look like for you to practice stillness and surrender in that area? ([01:38:04])
The Psalms of Ascent show a journey from turmoil to trust. What is one way you can intentionally “reorient your heart” toward God’s faithfulness and protection this week, especially if you’ve had a hard time? ([01:43:00])
The sermon said that faith is reclaimed in God’s presence, no matter what we’ve faced during the week. Can you share a time when coming to church or spending time with God helped you regain peace or faith after a tough situation? ([01:49:54])
The pastor mentioned that we often listen to “foolish advice” from others that can cloud our ability to hear God. How can you recognize when advice is unhelpful, and what steps can you take to focus on God’s voice instead? ([01:34:54])
As you reflect on this week, what is one step you can take to move from chaos to peace, from confusion to clarity, or from striving to surrender in your walk with God? ([01:50:35])

Sermon Clips

I'm walking to the house of God and I've got to put aside what's behind me. The hazards, the arguments, the negativities, the strife, whatever it is that we're carrying because we pick up stuff. And all too often, we come to church and we're just carrying stuff. But he's saying, walk toward the house of God and it's time as we come to church, we drop stuff. Off. [01:33:50] (35 seconds) #LeaveYourBurdensBehind

No, that's not what you should do when you come to church. You don't listen to the advice of fools who think they know more than what they know because he says, keep your mouth quiet and come and what does he say? In that first verse, listen. All the stuff takes our attention away from listening to God. [01:35:13] (30 seconds) #SilenceToHearGod

And Solomon's saying, you got to stop that, but you got to come to the house of God and listen. Don't bring all the noise. Don't bring all the noise into church. The noise in your head is not helpful. It's foolish. The noise of other people is not helpful either. [01:36:23] (26 seconds) #NoNoiseInChurch

And we come to church, we come to do one thing more importantly just about than any other single thing other than worshipping him and that is to hear because God has something to say to you. Every Sunday, God has something to say to you and to me. And the whole thing is we got to listen. [01:36:49] (27 seconds) #ListenForGodsVoice

How can we hear God when our heads are basically scrambled with all of the problems, issues as well as the problems and issues of other people. And that's why it takes me to a verse in the Bible that we used to sing a lot and it's in Psalm 46.10. It says, Be still and know that I am God. [01:37:39] (27 seconds) #BeStillAndKnow

And he says to us that there's peace in turmoil. By being still, you can actually find a place of inner peace. Peace, security when our lives can be overcome by problems of fear. And of course, it's also about trusting in God's timing. The verse encourages people the truth that God has everything taken care of. [01:40:00] (29 seconds) #TotalSurrender

``Our faith posture, we are positioned to be receptives of God's word and spirit into our hearts. Let me ask you, are you troubled? Be still and know that I'm God. Are you upset over something? Be still and know that I am God. Are you fearful of the future? Be still and know that I am God. [01:41:37] (33 seconds) #NoMoreStrife

Are we coming to church just to hear God? Are we coming to hear the latest gossip or are we coming to walk away from war, the war in our head, the war with people, whatever, and to actually see that our help comes from God? Amazing. [01:44:48] (18 seconds) #UnscrambleYourFaith

Peace, when we come to the house of God, is what enters the troubled heart. And in entering the troubled heart, we are still and we know God is with us. [01:50:01] (20 seconds) #NewDayNewFaith

I don't think there's anything greater than to know that whatever hell you're going through Monday to Friday, Saturday, you come to Sunday, you put it behind you, you walk forward and saying it's a new day and today I shall be still and I shall know that he is my God encompassing me with his strength, his power, his grace and his word to make, to give me keys to overcome. [01:50:21] (37 seconds)

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