Blaise Pascal once wrote, ‘All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone’. We are, generally speaking, not good at being still. Ps 46:10 urges us to be still and know that God is God, but we so often try to fix situations ourselves, relying on our own strategies and strengths. These can help in some situations, but sooner or later we will come across a battle that is beyond us and the sooner we learn to trust in God, the better it will be for us! Waiting on God, being still and trusting in Him with quietness and confidence (see Is 30:15), is not a case of being passive or lazy. Eugene Peterson says that ‘prayer is the disciplined refusal to act before God acts.’ We have to learn to pray, to wait, to be still before God, even when the battle seems to be raging around us.
‘Lord, help me now to face this battle.
My strength has failed and my eyes can’t see
Through the waves of doubt that take me under.
In the chaos I hear You speak.
Be still and know that You are my God.
Be still and know that You are enough.
Though my heart is racing, still You’re in control.
Be still and know that You are my God.
You brought me rest in times of struggle.
I lay my head down at Your feet.
The storm in me that I can’t wrestle
Is calmed when I hear You speak.
You are faithful
And Your love endures forever
Yes, Your love endures forever
You are able.
In You I’ll stand forever
Yes, in You I’ll stand forever.’ (‘Be Still’, Jeremy Camp)