It’s hard to sit still.  Ask any three year old.

Or better yet, ask a grown-up who’s waiting for something to happen or move forward and nothing is happening or moving forward.  But she’s asked to sit still anyway.

I love the Bible stories of courage and valor and rushing to meet the enemy head-on, or doing the brave things requiring loads and loads of faith.  There are other times, though, when God says to just sit still.  Or stand still.  Or do nothing.  And those kinds of stories don’t always get us as inspired.  It’s our nature to want to DO something.

It’s hard to sit still.

I have a situation at work right now where all I can do is sit still.  It’s driving me crazy.  I’ve prayed, and continued to pray, so I know it’s all under God’s control.  But I want to DO something to make things move faster.  I want answers. I want to know what’s happening behind the scenes.  I want to know what the future holds.

When Ruth had done everything she could to present herself and her situation to Boaz, Naomi gave her advice.  “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out.” (Ruth 3:18)

When 600 chariots carrying angry Egyptians were racing toward the fleeing Israelites who were trapped at the edge of the Red Sea, Moses told them “Do not be afraid.  Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.” (Exodus. 14:16)

After Paul exhorted the Ephesian church to put on the whole armor of God and be ready to fight, he followed up with, “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. (Ephesians 6:14 NLT).

Sometimes we’re called to do something, sometimes we’re called to sit still. Or stand still. That doesn’t mean God isn’t working something behind the scenes.  It doesn’t mean we’re cowards or that we’ve given up.  It just means we need to have the faith that when we’ve done everything God has asked us to do, and then He says to stay where we are, He’s up to something.

Sitting still IS hard.  But maybe it’s just a little exciting as well.

Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.  Job 37:14

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!  Psalm 46:10