7 Things - Finding Stillness

• Sometimes we need to be still and watch the Lord fight on our behalf: Exodus 14:13-14 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.

2Chron. 20:17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you! (NLT)

I admit that this is hard to do – we want to fight for ourselves and vindicate ourselves in times of struggle. Some of the verses below on stillness indicate that we are lying down or sitting/resting in God’s presence as we come to stillness. In these verses, we are to be standing – ready to move, but waiting on the Lord.

• Sometimes we need to be still – just to remember the great things that the Lord has done for us: 1Sam. 12:7 Now therefore, stand still, that I may reason with you (remind you) before the Lord concerning all the righteous acts (great things) of the Lord which He did to you and your fathers.

Slow down – remember the blessings of the Lord and all that He has accomplished in your life. Don’t always be looking for the new thing – remember what he has done and be still so that it can sink into your heart.

• Sometimes we need to be still as the Lord has us in a place or season of holy awe – we need to be still and quiet – waiting on Him: Neh. 8:11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.”

I feel that the Lord is calling His Church to stillness and waiting at the beginning of this year. This is a season to set our eyes on Him and be in awe.

• Sometimes we need to be still and allow the Lord to give us perspective and wisdom on a certain issue – even if it takes all night: Ps. 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah

Here it is in the NLT: Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

Sometimes thinking about something makes us agitated. It causes us to lose sleep. Here, the psalmist is calling us to think about something and then remain in quiet stillness. I believe it is in the stillness that the wisdom and perspective of God will come to us.

• Sometimes we need to be still in the presence of the Lord and wait for Him to show the way: Ps. 37:7 (NLT) Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

This stillness requires patience. We cannot be trying to fix our own problems – it is so important to release control of these situations to the Lord. We can’t always be in charge – yield to the Lord and be still on the inside and the outside, Watch what He will do on your behalf. The presence of the Lord is the most delightful place to find stillness.

• Sometimes we need to be still and allow the presence of God to wash over us – He makes Himself known in the stillness: Ps. 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

The Message Bible gives us a precious interpretation of this verse: Take a long, loving look at me, your High God

Steal moments out of your day to take long, loving looks at God – no matter what is going on around you – come to a place of stillness on the inside and make room for the Lord to invade your heart! Look at the result of such stillness - He will be exalted in all the nations!

• Sometimes we need to allow the Lord to speak to our storms and command His peace. On this occasion a great calm came over the troubled waters: Mk. 4:39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Jesus rebuked the disciples on this occasion for their lack of faith – remember that the wind and waves obey Him – there is nothing too difficult for Him. Agree quickly with His commands as He looks at your trouble head on, and calls for them to be still.

More on Lingering in the presence of God and waiting on Him HERE