Be Still

What, exactly, does it mean to “be still?”

In the literal sense, it would suggest sitting, with no movement at all. This, of course, is exactly true if the context is about physical activity only. However, on a daily basis, our lives are consumed with more than the simplicity of time and space on a physical level. We are also thinking, feeling, and spiritual beings as well. Even when we are sitting perfectly still, our minds, hearts and emotions have the ability to run wild. Think of it this way. At night when our bodies are in the prone position, by all appearances, we are being still. BUT, when we wake up, we often remember our dreams where we may have traveled “miles” in the subconscious sense – trying to tie up the loose ends of life.

When God instructed Moses to lead the Israelites through the desert, after fleeing captivity in Egypt, He instructed them to “be still.” In the very next verse, however, following Exodus 14:14, God says to Moses,

“Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.”

Exodus 14:15-16

So, why would God say “be still” and then say to “move on?” While it may sound like a contradiction at face value, if we will look beyond the physical, God is simply telling Moses to instruct the Israelites to trust God!

Many times in our lives, we have to reset the true reality button on Who is in charge. To “be still” is one way of doing this. It doesn’t mean we stop living! It does mean, that, as we continue “to move and have our being” (Acts 17:28), we keep in mind, that, God wants us to “seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” (Acts 17:27)

Whatever you are going through or facing in this world today – and I do mean, whatever – God wants you to know, that He is able to get you through it. AND, even more than simply mediocre passage, God is able to lead us to victory on the other side, through Christ Jesus our LORD! The only questions that remain are, do you believe this? And, do you trust God?

Oh God, help me to see beyond the “obvious” and into the victorious life You desire and have planned for me on this day! AMEN

To The One Who conquered even death…Jesus!