Still

“Do not fret because of evildoers, be not envious toward wrongdoers. For they will wither quickly like the grass and fade like the green herb. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes,” (NASB, Psalm 37:1-7).

Have you ever heard the phrase “God helps those who help themselves”? I know I have. It sounds responsible and admirable, and the majority of Christians believe that this word of advice is in the Bible – but it is not. Too often, whether we voice the belief or not, we act as though God needs our help.

In actuality, this statement is completely contrary to what the Word of God tells us: “‘Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth,’” (NASB, Psalm 46:10). The Father knows we cannot help ourselves. That is the very reason He sent His Son to die – because we were utterly helpless to improve our sinful condition.

God’s will for us includes His fundamental call to stillness. When we are quiet in His presence, we put ourselves in the most teachable position possible. It’s where we are most able to discern His Spirit.

Are we too busy to hear from God? Remember that He can accomplish far more through a surrendered spirit than we can in 24 hours of frantic activity – even when our efforts are intended to benefit His kingdom. We need to acknowledge our dependence on the Lord, and rest. What we’ll discover in the stillness is a Savior who promises He is enough.

Jeff