Stand Still

Now therefore stand still, that I may plead with you before the Lord concerning all the saving deeds of the Lord which He performed for you and for your fathers. (I Samuel 12:7)

I Sam. 12:6-7, 14-16, 22-24; Job 37:41; Ps. 46:10; Ex. 14:13

What Is God Saying?

After Saul's acclamation as the first king of Israel, the ageing and beloved Samuel pleads with Israel to stand still and consider God's saving deeds. It was a time of foreboding change. People were restless and agitated. They had insisted on having a king to raise them to the status of other nations. Although he knew there would be trouble, Samuel reluctantly gave his assent.

He says, ‘Now that you have a king, don't forget the Lord. He is your true King. Your king, for all his great promise and striking appearance, is only human. He can falter and fail you, but only God can perform the saving deeds. He did, and he will. Stand still while I tell you about it.’

How Does This Apply To Us?

We live in a restless, chaotic world. If we do not stand still and listen to God's voice, we will not see below the choppy surface of our violent times. Be still and listen. Be still and pray. Then, you will discover that God has peace for our hearts, calmness for our minds, and beauty for ashes. He still performs his saving deeds. We have only to stand still, and we will see.

Pray With Me

Lord, fretting is only too natural for me. I become restless when I move away from the restraint of your wise and loving disciplines, when my thoughts head down well-worn channels of habit. Help me to stand still. You tell me, ‘in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’ Only by standing still can I see you as you are. Only in stillness can I discover and enjoy the treasures of a life hidden with Christ in God. Let your Holy Spirit find in me a still heart, a calm, listening mind, and a receptive spirit. Then I can better understand the saving deeds of the Lord.

Lord, I am thankful for the knowledge that you have performed saving deeds. Your greatness is on the record. Salvation is not a promise—it is a performance. Redemption is not a shimmering mirage. God's kingdom, power, and glory are accomplished facts. Because my faith rests on saving deeds and not empty promises, I pray I shall have the grace to stand still. Then, I shall see, know, and trust the saving deeds of my Lord and my God.

Through Him who on Calvary did love's greatest deed. Amen.

Moving On In The Life Of Prayer

Cultivate stillness, and prayer will have more meaning. ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ Be still and listen. Be still and think deeply about your own needs. Be still and pray for others. God has so much to share with us if we let him. Prayer is standing still to ponder the needs of others, to get our bearings, and to hear what God wants to do with our lives. We can't see the salvation of the Lord without standing still.