That Which I Want to Do

I want to speak up. I want to defend myself. I want to act. Perhaps there is a proper time and place for this, but most of the time I am simply bowing to my flesh. My pride is at stake.

Jesus never defended himself to Pilate, or anyone else for that matter. He didn’t need to. He knew who he was and what his purpose was. His relationship with his Father was so deep and solid that he did not feel the need to make his case. And because of his single-mindedness toward his mission, he never felt the need to call the multitudes of angels (who were certainly ready) to his aid and defense.

Counter Intuitive

“Be still before the Lord” is counter to my fleshly instincts. It requires the kind of trust I desire, but am in short supply of. “Wait patiently” for God is also difficult. This is even truer once you realize God’s plan for you in a particular situation, more than likely, will not be what you had in mind. We want God’s warrior-angels flying to our rescue to deliver us from the wicked. But instead, God often leads us to a cross – that we might die to ourselves – to our desires and demands.  

Martin Luther wrote:

“God lives and reigns who saved the three youths from the fiery furnace of the king of Babylon, and if he will not save me, my head is worth nothing compared with Christ. This is no time to think of safety. I must take care that the gospel is not brought into contempt by our fear to confess and seal our teaching with our blood.”

My Hope and Prayer

Regardless of God’s plan for me – whether to deliver me or vindicate me or allow me to enter deeply into a trial, I must be still before him and wait patiently for him. He is holy, good, and just and will deal with others according to his will. I need only concern myself with me – and my faithfulness to him. For he is ultimately the only one I will stand before to give an answer. May he give me the grace and strength to do so.

Walking Points

• What makes being still before the Lord and waiting patiently for him difficult for you? Why do you think that is?
• What are some spiritual disciplines you could put in place in your life to help you overcome this struggle and begin to more faithfully practice stillness and patience before the Lord.
• Our society emphasizes and rewards busyness. Do you think people in your spheres of influence would be open to learning how God blesses stillness and patience discussed in this Scripture and devotion? Why or why not?
• This week choose one busy person you know who would benefit from more stillness and patience before God and share this devotion with them. Whether they agree with it or not, use it as an opportunity for a deeper discussion on this vital topic. But pray and fast first. Then be bold and reach out to them.