Thought for the Day: Be Still

I didn't intend to linger in the story of the Exodus, but the truths just keep tumbling out on me, and I can't tear myself away. In so many ways, this story is one of the lynch-pins of all history. God continually refers back to this story when addressing Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt. Based on the Lord's own words, we know that this story is critical to understanding Him and His relationship to Israel.

And it turns out, He's stuck a few humdingers in there for us, too.

Exodus 14:10-14:
As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."


1. Do not be afraid...
..."Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." -John 12:15
...Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. -John 14:27

2. Stand firm...
...Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. -Psalm 20:7-8
...Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. -1 Corinthians 15:58

3. Be still...
...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

Honestly, it's that last command--the final instruction in the trilogy--that struck me:

...you need only to be still...

I am such a striver. I wrestle and work and maneuver. But when God's on the move, I need only to be still.

Trying to settle in,
-J

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." -Matthew 11:28-30

(c) 2009
All quotations taken from the NIV.