Babies. Toddlers. Busyness. Constantness. Nap time. Needed!
Most of us can relate to the sudden, sweet quiet of a busy home during nap time or when, finally, children are in bed for the night. The atmosphere quiets down and suddenly you are able to actually think, or get something done, or just be still and breathe deeply for a few moments. I remember cherishing that small piece of quiet time where my brain could reorganize with no interruptions. We should wave a banner that says, ‘Adults need quiet time too’!
Or, picture a quickly beating heart stirred from emotions of excitement or fear or anger or uncertainty or even pleasure. Think of speech that elevates in volume or has become nervously fast. The rushing around of needing to get things done. The feeling that you have to do something right now or fix a problem immediately. Sometimes we can feel like we’re on a playground merry-go-round. You know, the metal ones that have the bars you hold onto and then the ‘strong’ kid comes and decides to spin it really fast while you desperately try to hold on without getting sick?!
Be still.
2Ki 2:1-5 And it came about when the LORD was about to take up Elijah by a whirlwind to heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here please, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. 3 Then the sons of the prophets who [were at] Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?" And he said, "Yes, I know; be still." 4 And Elijah said to him, "Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho. 5 And the sons of the prophets who [were] at Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?" And he answered, "Yes, I know; be still."
<chashah> to hush or keep quiet:--hold peace, keep silence, be silent, (be) still.
Elisha was totally aware that God had plans for Elijah. Only Enoch had been taken up to heaven in the same manner without a physical death. Others wanted to talk about it. As Elijah was making his rounds making his last visits, probably saying good bye, Elisha was being questioned both at Bethel and again at Jericho. You can almost hear the prophets saying, ‘Oh my, you know what’s going on right, what are you going to do?’ or ‘Can you believe what’s going to happen?’ This must have been hard for Elisha. Consider, this was the one he had followed and walked through Jordan with. He learned from Elijah. And what was Elisha’s response to the questions? Yes, I know; be still. It’s okay. Trust. No need to get all worked up. Take a deep breath. Shhhhh. We know it was hard for Elisha to say farewell to his friend and mentor, 2Ki 2:12 And Elisha saw [it] and cried out, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces, but he gives us a great example of trusting God for His plan. What did he ask? For God’s blessing to be upon him. 2Ki 2:9 Now it came about when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." Not for God to change the plan. Be still. Hold your peace. Be silent. Trust.
Do we accept God’s plan? Choose to not question even if it seems ‘out of this world’ impossible? Even when we know it will cause pain through loss?
Turn to Nehemiah. Ne 8:11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved." We see the Levites repeating to those who could not hear Nehemiah to lay aside their worry, their pain, their anger, displeasure, and grievances. Anything that was a distraction from worship. Be still. Right now, be still. For a time, be still.
<hacah> to hush:--hold peace (tongue), (keep) silence, be silent, still.
When I read the above definition, I immediately thought to the struggle I had in keeping my talk silent. Some of us feel uncomfortable with silence when we’re with others or we feel there should be a conversation developing. Learning to be okay with unresponsiveness and not feeling the need to ‘fill in the gaps’ has been an incredible tool God has taught me in improving my listening and understanding of others. Silence is good. It gives us time to digest words said earlier. It gives us time to think. It gives others time to think. Try it! Stop talking and be still.
Are we able to put our cares aside as we come before the Lord in worship and prayer? Do the concerns on our heart shadow our ability to fully rejoice in Him? Can we rest in His holiness?
Ps 4:4 Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
<damam> to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish:--cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait.
Read the first five verses of this Psalm. Hear David’s call to God for his own safety, for the concern of others and then his trust in knowing God hears him and finally his response to wait. Be still.
Ps 4:1-5 (For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.) Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. 2 O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? [How long] will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah. 3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him. 4 Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD.
Can we focus on the amazing wonder of God, quiet our heart and trust in His plan and care for all things?
Hush. Keep quiet. Hold your peace. Be silent. Cease speaking. Be astonished. Stop. Quiet your heart. Rest. Wait. Be still.
