Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Scripture: Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Reflection: My husband and I are blessed to have such great friends! We never let a month go by without having friends over for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or just meeting for a quick catch-up at one of our favorite dinner spots. A few months ago, our favorite spot was the comfy chairs in our living room, after having a great breakfast (for dinner), and we talked about life.
Life included God, work, family, self-care, expectations, stress…and the list goes on. The conversation went from talking about religion, new positions, career advancement – and the stress of it all – to how can we slow down enough to enjoy the precious time we have with one another? Why do we continue to pile so much on ourselves that even when we have a moment to breathe, the chatter in our minds, about everything else, keeps us from being intentional with the people and passions that are most important.
It becomes such a fight to be purposeful with our lives, because we stay so focused trying not to fail at being a good Christian, a good spouse, a good parent, a good friend, employee, daughter or son, that we forget to be still, and show honor to God, who is Everything.
We oftentimes find ourselves wandering like the Israelites, and we too must be reminded that the Lord will make a way – if we can just be still. BUT, what’s interesting about this story, in Exodus, is that right after Moses told the Israelites they only need to be still, God told Moses “Tell the Israelites to go forward.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m a little confused. I’m being told to be still, then here comes God, telling Moses, “tell the Israelites to go forward.” So, do I stand still, or do I move? Is this a matter of who do I listen to, or am I not understanding God’s message of stillness?
When God tells us to “be still”, we are expected not waiver in our faith. We are not to move in our own menial power – but to trust that God is able to move, with great power, on our behalf. Be still in believing that the promises of God will be revealed at the perfect moment. Sure, take some time to stop and refocus; but don’t stay there! If you must stand still only stay there long enough to get your orders to move forward; so when you take that next step your mind is focused on what’s ahead.
Prayer: My God – Way Maker – Director of my steps, when the worries of the world are gaining on me please show me the way forward. When I can’t stop the chatter in my mind, allow me the ability to focus on what’s most important in the moment; to be still with my own plans, and look to You for direction. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Devoted to God 