Fear Not, Stand still

“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. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s a mature concept to “stand still.”

Have you ever asked a very young child or group of children to stand still? I smile as I even ponder the thought. To ask that skill of them is almost fighting a losing battle. It’s innate -they have to wiggle and squirm. They aren’t mature enough to discipline themselves to not move. I watch teachers daily at work tell 3 and 4 year-olds stay still. I always smile. They want to move – you want to them to stay still. Deep down it’s a power struggle.

We too have problems with spiritually standing still – or at least I do.

I contemplate, based on my example above, how spiritually mature am I when I still move or have the urge to move when God has specifically told me to stand still? Often I attempt to say something, to respond to someone’s attack, or to do something to supposedly help my situation. Am I truly listening and obeying God telling me to “stand still”? Faced with those situations just like a child, I move contrary to what God has said. Usually, when this happens my depth of immaturity shows. I can tell how I have not achieved pure surrender to God’s will and way. I recognize that I am a “control freak.” I also am keenly aware that in those instances God is trying to grow me – but I am resistant by wanting to move.

I consider the scripture above and the first thing that stands out is Moses said – “Fear ye not…”

Honestly, at times I’m downright terrified! Fear makes me want to attempt to control situations. (I’m confessing that I am a control freak!) Fear makes me uncomfortable. It makes me want to move or act although being told by God to “stand still. I want to to rectify whatever is happening around me. The loss of control eats at me. Lack of control causes my lack of faith to rule and run amuck. Fear reigns and I feel like I have to act.

But we know and can rely on 2 Timothy 1:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Fear is not of God! That is not an emotion He gives us.

We must consider – if we view God as the Alpha and Omega, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient – He knows what’s happening next. He knows what’s best for us. He sees the BIG PICTURE! He’s giving us instructions and a “head’s up” as our closet friend would in whatever situation you find yourself. He does not want us to be harmed.

Therefore, we need to heed the Lord when He tells us to “stand still” and see His Salvation! We need to allow Him to resolve issues.

When He leads us – instead of answering the person that attacked you in a meeting – stand still. Instead of being on offense and attacking in a squabble – stand still. When being aggressive in friendship or relationship there are times God tells us to stand still and see Him work out the particular scenario. It may not look good and may not even feel good for a second or two – as I imagine the Israelites thought when Pharaoh still came after them. In the end Pharaoh’s army was defeated and it worked out for their good.

He is God! More important to know, we aren’t. We can’t control all situations. In fact, we have tendencies to mess up things. God knows what’s best for us. He said He would never leave nor forsake us. He wants us to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Him. It’s His battle, not ours. It is through battles we get to know him even more as He challenges us to grow. He wants us to have a testimony.

What’s even more amazing – He promised the Egyptians (that person, that problem, that situation) that is plaguing, pursuing and/or bugging us – we will see no more. Rest assure, have faith, fear not, He is fighting for us…

Stand Still.