By Nieshia Jones
In the fast paced world we live in, the idea of being still might seem counterproductive. We’re often told that we must be proactive, take charge, and control our destiny. But when life’s battles rage on whether they be conflicts at work, challenges in relationships, or internal struggles we can find true strength not in frantic action, but in stillness. This stillness isn’t about giving up; it’s about trusting God to fight our battles.
Understanding the Call to Be Still
The Bible frequently speaks of the importance of stillness and trust in God. One of the most well-known verses, Psalm 46:10, declares, "Be still, and know that I am God." This isn’t just a call to pause physically, but to quiet our souls, surrender our anxieties, and recognize God’s sovereignty.
Being still means acknowledging that we don’t have to have all the answers, nor do we need to resolve every issue on our own. It’s about shifting our focus from our circumstances to the One who controls them. When we let go of the need to control every outcome, we create space for God to work in ways that are beyond our understanding.
The Peace in Surrender
When we’re in the midst of a battle, the natural reaction is often to fight harder, plan more, and stress over the details. But God calls us to something different. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
This peace doesn’t come from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God in our lives. When we surrender our battles to Him, we invite His peace into our hearts, a peace that stands guard against the anxiety and fear that often accompany life’s challenges.
God Fights for You
In Exodus 14:14, Moses tells the Israelites, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." This was said in a moment of great fear when the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and the advancing Egyptian army. They were powerless, yet God delivered them in a way that no human effort could have.
Similarly, in our own lives, we face situations that seem insurmountable, where our efforts fall short. It’s in these moments that God calls us to step back and let Him take the lead. His ways are higher than our ways, and His plans are perfect. By trusting Him, we allow Him to bring about victories that are far greater than anything we could achieve on our own.
Here are five practical steps to being still:
1. Daily Prayer and Reflection: Start your day with prayer, asking God to take control of your battles. Reflect on His promises and let His Word guide your thoughts.
2. Practice Mindful Stillness: Set aside time each day to be still. This could be a few minutes of quiet meditation on scripture or simply sitting in silence, focusing on God’s presence.
3. Surrender Your Worries: When you find yourself anxious or stressed, consciously hand those worries over to God. Remind yourself that He is in control and that you don’t have to carry the burden alone.
4. Trust in God’s Timing: Understand that being still doesn’t mean that nothing is happening. God is always at work, even when we can’t see it. Trust that His timing is perfect.
5. Surround Yourself with Support: Share your struggles with fellow believers who can pray with you and encourage you to stay still and trust in God’s plan.
The concept of stillness is counterintuitive in a world that values action and results. Yet, in God’s kingdom, stillness is a powerful act of faith. It’s a declaration that we believe in God’s ability to fight our battles better than we ever could. By being still, we aren’t giving up; we’re giving in to the mighty power of God, trusting that He will lead us to victory in His perfect time and way.
Let us embrace stillness not as inactivity, but as a deep, active trust in God’s sovereignty. As we do, we’ll find that the battles we once feared are already won, not by our might, but by His.
I hope you all have a great Sunday.
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