Your Strength is to Sit Still

When you were younger, in particular settings, did you ever hear your parent say, "Sit still?" Many kids are squirmy and cannot sit for a very long time without twisting and turning.  Kids have lots of energy but as they get older they learn to sit for a longer periods of time. By the time we are adults, we can sit through long seminars, classes, church services, etc. Sometimes we learn a lot by sitting still. We watch and listen, and it helps us to approach life better. 

When Israel was up against the Assyrian army, they took their eyes off of the protection of God and began to put their trust in having help from Egypt. They “trust[ed] in the shadow of Egypt” (Is. 30:2 KJV), which meant that they put Egypt in God’s place. They formed an alliance to gain men and horses to help them fight the Assyrian army, but this was not God’s plan. God’s plan was for them to trust in him as their deliverer. The problem with Israel was sin. They failed to trust God and they didn’t seek him for a solution to their problem. If only they would “sit still.” Isaiah 30:7 said, “…therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.” Israel’s strength was for them to humbly rely on God, wait on his plan, and trust in his time of action.

What are we anxious about that keeps us from sitting still? What are we afraid of? What are we up against?

When things get hard it is easy to take our eyes off God and begin thinking of other solutions to our problems. What can we do to get rid of this road block? What can we do to avoid this immediate pain, frustration, fear, etc.? In life we will experience all kinds of emotions, but we cannot allow our emotions or what we feel or see cause us to turn away from God’s plan. Your current problem may seem like a road block, but it is only a façade. When we trust in God, he is our strength and nothing can stand in His way. Therefore, nothing can stand in our way. Picture your road block crumbling. Picture your path cleared. Picture yourself ready to stride towards your goal. Above all, picture God leading the way.
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We cannot allow ourselves to react to difficulties without seeking God’s plan. Pray, read the word, or seek counsel from another strong believer. There are many ways to “sit still” and ready yourself to hear God’s plan of action. Don’t get sidetracked by the road block. It’s only temporary. One of two things can happen: the road block will be removed or God will show you another path. Either way you win. Walk through your difficult situation knowing that you are a winner. God has a plan and your road block doesn’t stand a chance.

-Lakisha B.