Be Still

We're going to take a look at a simple concept, one whose underlying value sometimes goes overlooked, but its importance cannot be overstated. "Be Still." These two simple words were spoken multiple times in the Old Testament, as well as the New, to different people for different reasons, and they apply to us today just as much as they did back then. We'll look at a few times where this phrase was used, and how we can then make application of it in our own lives. Many times, we read the accounts of the battles of the children of Israel, or the life of David, or Abraham, or any other of the countless accounts of the Old Testament, and we feel that these are simply part of historical record, but this is not the case. We were meant to learn from these writings, from these people. These situations, as well as God's response to them, are just as applicable to us today as they were to the forefathers. Paul affirms this in Romans 15:4..."For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

The first instance we'll take a look at is found in 2 Chronicles 20:17, as the children of Israel are preparing to go into battle against insurmountable odds. The humble prayer of King Jehoshaphat is answered by God in a beautiful and inspiring way..."Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you." 

So many times, we feel that our efforts are necessary to effect change, or to overcome obstacles in our life, when, in reality, all that is really needed is a humble plea to God to intervene in our circumstances, along with faith that He will come through for us. We can take solace and find comfort in the words "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle..." because this takes all the pressure off of our shoulders. God tells us here that all that is required on our part is to stand firm in our faith, and in the belief that He is in control, and then simply wait for the outcome. Not that we do not have an active role to play in our day to day struggles, but that underneath it all, behind the scenes, God will fight the battle on our behalf, if we will simply place our trust in Him.

The second verse we'll look at is found in Psalm 46:10..."Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." This eternal word, given to believers and nonbelievers alike, proclaims forever that our God will reign throughout all eternity. Those who choose to fight against His Kingdom, Be Still. Learn of Him and live. Those who embrace His lovingkindness, Be Still. Meditate on His word. Let all the earth be still and proclaim His Glory. Phillippians 2:10-11 tells us..."That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Contrary to the doctrine of modern day schools of thought, and hedonistic teachings of "institutions of higher learning", truth is not relative. Truth is absolute. Jesus tells us Himself, "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." Jesus IS truth. One of the best things we can do for our mental well being, as well as for our physical health, is to simply be still, still in our minds as well as our bodies, and meditate on God's providence and His provision, meditate on the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and on His great love. Allow yourself to be loved by Him. Let His love flow through you, and let it change your life. Though none of us are worthy, we are made the righteousness of God through the sacrifice which Jesus made for you and me. 

Our final verses are found in Mark 4:39-41, as Jesus and His disciples are aboard a small ship late in the evening in the middle of the sea as a great storm arises. The disciples, fearing for their lives, seek for Jesus, and find Him asleep on a pillow in the hinder part of the ship. They wake Him, saying, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" Then in verses 39-41..."And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" There are many things we can learn from these verses. We see the quiet confidence of Jesus as He sleeps in the midst of the storm, knowing that His Father has all things in control. We see that even in times when we may feel alone, or scared, that Jesus is there, and that He does care about what happens to us. We see that He has the power to intervene in any circumstance in which we may find ourselves, because even the very elements are subject to His Sovereign Authority. His beautiful command to the wind and the waves applies to us, and to our lives, just as it did to the storm. "Peace, be still."   

Jesus can calm the storm within us, as well. We can be at peace, and be still, because we have a Savior who will never leave us, nor forsake us. He has the power to change our lives into what they were meant to be, a beacon of light for others to see, to lead people to Him. 

May we ever be dependent upon, and confident of, the love of Jesus. Let it overtake our troubled thoughts, calm our fears, and quiet our minds. When the storms of life rage, and hope seems to be lost, may we hear His tender voice say, "Peace, be still."