These days it seems everyone is busy. Even little children have their schedules filled up with many activities. It appears that no one has time to just stand still. Apparently, some lessons were not learned during the COVID-19 lockdowns. One of the things I learned however, is that I did not need to do everything and go everywhere. And I have realized that in my stillness God worked on my heart and my character. I know that I have so much more to be worked on so I have been deliberate in continuing to be still despite there being no more lockdowns so that God can have His way in me. I have grown deeper in Him as I have been quiet with Him. I have been able to be still and know that He is God. (See Psalm 46:10)
Many of us often say that we want to hear clearly from God. However, I have come to recognize that a lot of times God is speaking, but we miss hearing His voice because we are too busy to read His Word or we are in a rush when we do, and we don’t have time to be silent in His presence or to sit with other believers to study the Scriptures and encourage each other. Our Sunday Bible study could last up to 5 to 6 hours, and I am amazed how so many Christians seem disgusted at hearing about the length of time we take and ask why we would spend so long in Bible study. We are not rushing and whoever has to leave can go, but we are able to dissect the Word and participants are able to share what is on their heart and we work out different situations together.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
We have been allowing the Word of God to cut through the messes in our lives, and our misunderstandings of the Scriptures and how it pertains to us. I believe we all need to do this constantly. It is necessary to get rid of the pretense and to stand still to allow God’s Word to do surgery in our hearts, minds and lives. We also have to be able to wait on the Lord when we want an answer from Him. What Moses said to the men who were unclean because of handling a corpse when they wanted to keep the Passover stood out to me.
And Moses said to them, “Stand still, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you.” Numbers 9:8
How many of us are ready and willing to stand still to hear from God? And there are times when our bodies may be still but our minds are occupied by the cares of the world. I have to battle this constantly as my mind strays to all that needs to be done during my time with God. Nevertheless, our minds really need to be quiet and block out all that is coming in from the world, our flesh and even the enemy in order to hear from God. The sheep hears the Shepherds voice because the sheep spends time in the Shepherd’s presence hearing His voice alone, so when other voices call, the sheep will not respond because he knows the Shepherd’s voice well.
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27-28
When we are truly His sheep, we will hear His voice and we will not be snatched from His hand. We as His sheep will know to stand still when told to do so and we will be able to watch God work on our behalf as we will not try to fight our battles alone.
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. Exodus 14:13
You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:17
And like Job we will be able to stand still and consider the wondrous works of the God. (See Job 37:14). It is very important to stand still to hear God’s voice, consider His awesomeness and to have Him fight on our behalf. It is in these times that we will get to truly know Him as our God.
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