Did you watch any movies over the Thanksgiving holiday? One of our family’s favorite things to do over the holidays is watch movies together, either in the theater or at home. We watched the new Karate Kid movie. The Chinese gentleman who was the wise instructor was named Mr. Hahn played by Jackie Chan. He was a quirky old man who said little, but when he spoke what he said was usually worth listening to and held punch. I think my favorite quote from him was “Being still and doing nothing are two very different things.”
In our culture we are always so busy. Many times, we are busy yet not productive. We feel pressured to do something, even if we have no idea what that something is we’re supposed to do. There can be productivity in being still if it is chosen and focused.
Psalm 46:10a says “Be still and know I am God.” Psalm 37:7a says “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” Typically in scripture when we read the words “Be still” it is because we are being called to stop whatever we’re doing and stand down because the Lord is moving. A move of the Lord is always more effective than a move of mankind; therefore, being still is far different than doing nothing. Being still is choosing to yield to His ways instead of our own. Isaiah 55:8 reminds us His ways and thoughts are vastly different from ours. We only see part of the picture and have to make our decision based on what we see; yet He sees everything and His choices are made from a greater perspective [1 Corinthians 13:12].
When faced with a situation, pause before the Father. Be still and wait patiently for Him because when He moves on your behalf, you’ll reap the benefits.