Stand Still...

Hidden in the book of II Chronicles chapter 20 is a story filled with inspiring truth and a convicting challenge. In my devotions this morning, I spent quite a long time just sitting...reading the chapter over again. I'm sure I've read the passage before...but this morning it actually hit home and found its way into my heart!

The story is about King Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. The Moabites and the Ammonites had set out to conquer the kingdom of Judah. Jehoshaphat's first response was to seek the Lord and asked that all the cities of Judah seek the Lord and fast. Every single person stood before the Lord and sought His answer...even down to the wives and the little children. (vs. 13)

The Spirit of the Lord came upon the prophet Jahaziel and gave this answer, "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!" (vs. 17) The Lord asked them to do the easiest...and yet also the hardest thing...be still. Jehoshaphat responded to this by bowing and worshiping the Lord. The next morning Jehoshaphat reminded them to believe in the Lord and His promise. He also gave them something to "do" while standing still, he told them to sing to the Lord and praise the beauty of His holiness! Wow! What a leader!

When God asks us to "be still", we kick and squirm and think of so many different ways the situation could turn out. We offer our advice, our alternatives, our plan B...but that is not what God wants. Salvation and sanctification are not accomplished through our efforts. Rather, when we are still and focused on the beauty of His holiness...that is when the work begins, in our hearts and in our lives.