Stillness

Over the past couple of weeks, I've had conversations with two individuals in which the idea of stillness has been discussed.  We talked about it in the context of being still when you are unsure of your next step, and in the context of being still when directed by the Holy Spirit. 

A common definition for stillness is “the absence of movement or sound.”  This definition reminds me of my childhood and when my brother and I would dare each other to be still for a period of time.  Usually the dare was for a short period of time, but inevitably one of us would move. 

​Being still runs contrary to our human nature, which is why we find it so difficult to accomplish.  This is probably never truer than now, in this ultra-busy culture, where every minute of our time is filled to capacity. 

It takes much more human effort to be still than not, and yet God frequently admonishes Christians to be still.  As humans, we want to feel as if we are doing something to move our lives forward, and being still is often viewed as the worst thing that a person can do. 

There are numerous benefits for Christians being still:

1.  It is during those periods that we are able to most clearly determine God’s direction for our lives, through meditation and prayer
Numbers 9:8 “And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.”

2.   It is during those periods that we allow God to have the space to take action 
Exodus 14:13 “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.”

3.  There is no confusion concerning who took action, the Christian or God.
Exodus 14:14 “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

When you are unsure of your next steps – be still and wait for direction from God.  When the Holy Spirit directs you to be still – be still.

Glory to God for All That He Has Done


​Blessings – Janice

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