My husband is an excellent waiter.
Well, not a "waiter"...as in the person who serves you food at a restaurant;
But rather, a "wait-er".
He has no problem sitting perfectly still, waiting to make his next move. His patience is really quite impressive.
Me on the other hand? I am so NOT a good wait-er.
I literally hate to wait. For anything. For anyone.
- I despise waiting.
Even if I'm standing still, and you can detect no movement, I assure you - in my mind, I am not waiting.
I am calculating how much longer I have to stand here. I am anticipating my next move. I am preparing to move. I am judging the distance I will need to move to accomplish my next task.
I do not wait well.
- There are times, however, when we must wait well.
God wants us to be physically, mentally and emotionally still to hear from Him. Until we are perfectly still and at peace, He will remain silent.
For some personalities that is an easy task. For others of us, it comes only through enforced practice.
In Scripture the first three times we see the phrase "stand still", it is a direct command to the people of God to settle themselves before the Lord and wait for Him to give them their next move.
Exodus 13:14 "And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever."
Numbers 9:8 "And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you."
Joshua 3:8 "And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan."
C.H. Spurgeon said, " 'Stand still'...ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing Voice...Faith listens neither to presumption, nor to despair, nor to cowardice, nor to precipitancy, but it hears God say, 'Stand still,' and immovable as a rock it stands."
- Although I am still not a good wait-er, I am learning.
Often I learn most through times of forced rest and stillness, through pain-filled days when sitting still is the only possible choice for me.
I have found, though, that when I wait properly, I am filled with such peace. I can hear the Voice of the Holy Spirit speak from His Word so clearly as the other voices fade away.
- I encourage you to cultivate the skills of a good wait-er.
Practice stilling your heart as you read the Bible. Focus your heart, mind and body on the Words there, and listen patiently to see what God the Father will speak to your heart.
Do you need to hear from God?
Stand still...and be a good wait-er.
