Stand Still!

Stand Still!

“Stand still! Stop fidgeting.” What parent has not said these words over and over again? Remaining still while waiting seems impossible to a young child. Minutes seem like hours as a young one endeavors to remain in one spot when everything within wants to explore and tackle the world just beyond the next step.

Often the need to stand still is so the parent can take care of necessary business. Daily activities can take a family to the grocery store, bank or post office. A young child cannot always see the purpose for these trips although his or her life is greatly affected by them.

Other times youngsters must stand still to receive necessary care. Having their hair fixed requires the head to remain still. Applying a bandage requires stillness of the injured area. Many things require temporary immobility to facilitate that which is most important to the well-being of an individual.

As we grow older, we have more opportunities to wait, but it does not get that much easier to patiently stand still. Even while staying in the same place one tends to shift weight back and forth from foot to foot or move about in a limited area. Heavy traffic, long checkout lines and slow service can be difficult to endure with a positive attitude.

When hard times arise, we can find it difficult to stand still spiritually. Like the young child in endless lines with his/her parent, we may not see all that our Heavenly Father is doing to provide good for us. We may not desire to wait for the tender care that is needed to make us strong and ready for the road ahead. It is imperative that we stand still when the Father commands. Like the Israelites at the Red Sea, we must “… Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today.” (Exodus 14:13a AMP)

The Scripture gives us instructions on how to stand firm. The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian church concerning the spiritual armor of God. “Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11 AMP) This command is repeated one verse later. “Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].” (Ephesians 6:13 AMP) Paul then goes on to describe the pieces of armor which include truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation and the word of God.

When we have spent time learning about and putting on each piece of the armor we must remember that, whether we are in good times or hard times, God is always standing with us. “For He will stand at the right hand of the poor and needy, to save him from those who condemn his life.” (Psalm 109:31 AMP) Therefore we can stand strong in every situation. “My foot stands on an even place; in the congregations will I bless the Lord.” (Psalm 26:12 AMP)

We are encouraged by the apostle Paul to stand honoring those who have invested in our lives. “Therefore brethren, whom I love and yearn to see, my delight and crown (wreath of victory), thus stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. (Philippians 4:1 AMP) We show our love by observing what we have learned from them. “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions and instructions which you were taught by us, whether by our word of mouth or by letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (AMP) Our entire lives are to reflect the strength we have been given by our Heavenly Father through the pieces of armor He has provided. “Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel).” (Philippians 1:27 AMP)

 As we wait, we pray and allow the Lord to do battle for us. “You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your positions, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord [Who is] with you, O Judah and Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 20:17a AMP) From the stance of waiting we are given strength. “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” (Isaiah 40:31 AMP)

Stand still in the strength of the Lord. Live according to all you have been taught of God as you wait. You will be strengthened and see His victory in your life.

So stop fidgeting! Trust in the Lord your God!