Be Still and Go Forward

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

"The Lord said to Moses, 'Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward." Exodus 14:15

Do you have any favorite Truths from Scripture? Passages of promise that make your soul sing and direct your heart towards worship and praise? 

Recently, after listening to a Sunday message emphasizing the need for rest in the believer’s life, I entered the week meditating on Psalm 46:10a: “Be still, and know that I am God.” 

​These words of instruction always touch my heart in a special way. They’re God’s reminder to me every day that I let my busy schedule run my life and my heart.

​This favorite verse of mine was made more powerful as I recalled Pastor’s encouragement to rest so that we can see God provide, so that we don’t rely on ourselves, and so that we don’t worry. He stressed that rest for the Christian—this “being still” on the Sabbath or in our personal quiet times with God—settles our soul in “God’s sufficiency and His ownership of it all.” 

We’re not simply supposed to slow down. We are told to stop. 

“And on the seventh day God ended His work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Genesis 2:2-3

Created in God’s image and cleansed by His Son’s death, we Christians follow God’s example. He rested to show us how to rest: a complete cessation of our work so that we have time and energy to refocus our hearts on the One who satisfies our souls. The ability to truly rest shows that we are sincerely trusting in God’s faithfulness and ability to keep the world running while we’re not “helping.” 

These meditations from Pastor’s sermon, Genesis 2, and Psalm 46 were still floating around in my mind—a soothing balm to my heart—when I read a devotional pulling from Exodus 14—Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea: ​

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.” Exodus 14:15

I realize this command was given to the children of Israel when they were caught between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, but those two words, “go forward,” became so sticky in my brain that they refused to disentangle themselves from the peaceful “be still” melody still playing in my soul. ​

“Be still” and “go forward” are two very different commands. And yet, they are both given to God’s people. Obviously, they do not cancel each other out. ​

There is a time to be still, and there is a time to go forward. 

What struck me in that sticky moment of truth was that I am much more comfortable in following the one than I am the other. ​

God gifts us with different strengths and weaknesses to help us follow Him while still showing us our need for Him. Being still is a strength of mine. I like meditating on who God is. “Be still, and know that I am God,” conjures up cozy images of a comfortable chair by a window where I sit with my Bible and a mug of coffee staring out at the wonder of God’s creation and letting my heart praise Him for Who He is and what He has done. 

That is my comfort zone, and it is a vital part of a thriving Christian life. But there is something missing from this picture. Those two little words “go forward,” remind me that I’m not only supposed to reflect on the great things God has done, I’m also supposed to focus on the things that I do for Him. Being still is necessary to know God, but going forward is necessary to follow God. 

The Christian life is a life of balance. When the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s armies, God gave them a simple command: “Go forward.” 

As a cloud of dust rose up from Pharaoh’s chariots and the mighty waters of the sea parted under Moses’ outstretched staff, it wasn’t the time for Israel to sit down and meditate on God’s character. That moment was a time for action—an act of obedience in following God’s command and trust in God’s ability to bring them safely across the Red Sea. ​

Being still draws me into a safe communion with my loving Father, but going forward to do His will can terrify me sometimes. So many excuses and fears pass through my mind when I feel the Spirit leading me to take what I know of God and use it in my day-to-day life:

• “God, I see that my coworker is hurting, but I’m not good at speaking encouraging words. I’ll say the wrong thing and give her the wrong impression of Your love.”
• “Father, I know Your church is important, but taking responsibility for a church ministry or program terrifies me. I’m not very outgoing, and I’m sure there is someone who could do a better job. I would just fail.” 
• “Lord, I know that You died for all sinners and that I am Your mouthpiece for the gospel on earth, but the sinful lifestyle of my neighbor scares me. I can’t get involved in such a messy situation—people might get the wrong impression of me if they see me with such a sinner!” 

These are the moments in my life where it is no longer time to be still. Obedience to God’s will for my life demands that I then go forward. It’s okay that I’m not comfortable. It’s more than okay, because God’s strength will shine all the brighter through my weak, trembling attempts. ​

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

Do you struggle with going forward? Maybe your strengths are different than mine. Do you jump into action and struggle to be still?

• Perhaps you love involving yourself in ministry and engaging people in Gospel conversations, but at the end of the day, you often forget to slow down and meditate upon Who your God is.
• Perhaps you tend to forget that it’s not you doing those works of service, but God working through you.  

Just as God has His strong arms around me when I'm taking baby steps forward, His Spirit is there to bring rest, peace, and renewal to my soul. He can teach you how to be still and know that He is God.

All we have to do is obey. He will take it from there. ​

Being still or going forward—where are your strengths and weaknesses?