In Exodus, when Moses is leading the Isrealites out of Egypt there is that famous stand off as they reach the Red Sea. With the Egyptians behind them, and the water stretch out before them, many of the Israelites argue if they should give up, or hand themselves over to the enemy. They’ve become rash, feeling desperate, alone. I love the passage that follows, after there’s been such struggle to leave a land where the people were enslaved, where they are so scared, so frightened they are ready to give up.
13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
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| via Your Grace Drowns Me |
I love this moment and the message. Moses has come in to his own as a leader, bravely stating what God has promised all along. Moses is full of faith when it would be so easy to be afraid.
And even more stunningly, he’s mirroring what we hear in the Psalm 46:10, the message of “Be Still and Know that I am God.”
This was one of my big lessons in Lent this year, the lesson of patience and faith. This idea that by being still, I leave room for God, for God’s work, for something bigger to happen than the next thing I might do if I were to act on my own. Being still gives me time to think, to listen, to wait. Being still means that I know, in act and deed that God is with me, leading me, and I have surrendered to His guidance. Being still says I am faithful, and that I need and love and trust God. One simple action that holds so much silent, purposeful meaning.
I’m find that I’m just beginning to know and to love the art of being still.
I have a weekly podcast you might like. I invite you to take a listen:
Caroline
April 22, 2012 at 11:46 amOh, to be still… so hard, yet so needed. Good words here today.
Deidra
April 22, 2012 at 2:18 pmWe’re so busy, aren’t we? As I get older, I’m beginning to think there is a clear strategy in God slowing us down as we age. I find myself sitting more, and just being. And as I sit, I notice God. Not nearly as much as I should, but I notice that he shows up in the stillness.
Gayle
April 22, 2012 at 2:24 pmI love this scripture and recently blogged on it as well. Love your blog, I’m visiting from Jumping Tandem.
caryjo
April 22, 2012 at 5:12 pmBack in the Fall of 1969, I was in a stressful situation with my former husband, and with what was happening I was ready to start verbally nailing him. I was sitting at the kitchen table, putting a pair of shoes on [must have been planning to rush out of the apartment], and I reached to the kitchen table and grabbed a card from a Bible-verse card-holder [can’t remember what they are called]. And this is the verse God dropped at me strongly. “I will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” So, what did I do? I shut up. And, after I quieted down, didn’t have a screaming look on my face, he quieted down, too. I have used that verse many [MANY] times over the years as a reminder that HE is the One will fight for me. Loved seeing this. Thanks for sharing.
BerryMorins Bits & Tips
April 23, 2012 at 12:25 amA lovely message to keep this and everyday!
What a blessing to wake up and welcome another day! Thank you Heavenly Father!
Jennifer @ GettingDownWithJesus.com
April 25, 2012 at 4:32 amGah! When am I ever gonna let this message really sink in? Gotta.be.still.
Laura
April 25, 2012 at 1:55 pmNeeded that verse today. Thank you.
Marianne @ Abundant Life
April 25, 2012 at 11:35 pmSomehow the Old Testament so speaks to me. Such strength and yet so much vulnerability.
God bless you as you seek Him!