When life is crazy, when things go awry, that’s often the question we ask.
What should we do?
I’m usually looking for a four step plan to success, a way to fix, a solution that has worked for my Facebook friends. I make a list, I check it twice...
I don’t often think to simply be still.
In fact, if you told me to do that, I’d probably say, “Are you CRAZY? We need to DO something here.”
Certain situations call for immediate action—like my son placing himself in imminent danger (a daily occurrence at a house of four boys). But often I react when I should be still. I place my trust in my work, not in the One who fights for me.
Just before the Lord parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, they cried out in terror, rebuking Moses for convincing them to leave their slave digs in Egypt. They panicked.
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today…the LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13)
All too often, I forget that One greater than me is fighting for me. My trust is banked on my measly human efforts. With my eyes on myself, with misplaced trust, I reduce an opportunity for God to show Himself into a failed panic.
In reality, there is so little I must do. Psalm 37:23-23 reminds me:
“The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.”
If I delight in Him, He will make firm my steps. I may stumble, but I will not fall, for He holds me with His hand.
I can think of no more reassuring picture than that.
What must I DO?
When my tendency is to panic, I must instead turn to Him, delight in Him.
From Him flows the peace I seek as I wait.
I need only to be still and delight in Him.
I'm linking up today with Laura at Playdates with God and Jen at Soli deo Gloria Sisterhood.
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8 comments:
Well yes I know this,but so often forget. Thank you for this post today. A perfect reminder for my Monday. Clella
Stopping in from Playdates. One of the hardest things to do sometimes is to patiently wait on the Lord. Just had this talk with my daughter. His timing is not ours, but it is so worth the wait.
This is good, Laura. It's not always what we need to do, but just who we need to be.
Visitng from SDG. I too struggle with this. Im learning that I actually can not do it all....and this is a humbling experience for me. Thanks so much for the reminder to be still.
This sounds all too familiar, Laura. Making the list has always been my go-to. I'm working on that :). So glad to be your sister. Thanks for this encouragement. :)
I had to laugh at that four step plan. So me. Being still is. so. hard. But with you, I'm learning. And quite frankly, reveling it it! Which totally surprises this "take action" girl. I love the verse in Psalms that you shared. If I delight, HE makes the steps firm. So encouraging, Laura. Sometimes just knowing, "really, she feels like that, too" is the best encouragement for my day! ~Pamela
I love Isaiah 41:10 in the Message
Don’t panic. I’m with you.
There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
I love Isaiah 41:10 in the Message
Don’t panic. I’m with you.
There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
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