Fear Not #7 – Be Still and Know
The Old Testament prophet Elijah went through a high point in his life in calling down fire from heaven and vanquishing Baal worship. Wicked queen Jezebel then retaliated, telling him, “I’m coming after you.”
This single message took Elijah from a place of immense spiritual victory suddenly to feel as if the bottom dropped out of his world. He ran for his life and ended up in the desert (1 Kings 19:1-9).
We all have had similar feelings of desolation when things seem out of control and we don’t know where to go to escape.
You may be experiencing a time of desolation right now. It could be that you feel dry in your spiritual life. You may be in the midst of a divorce or other relationship difficulties. It could be that you’re having health problems or uncertainties within your career vocation. Or, it could be as simple as a careless word that can throw your equilibrium off balance.
The angel of the Lord came to Elijah when he was in the desert. Then Elijah went to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. This was an important place of consolation for Elijah. What we learn from Elijah is that God also meets us at these moments of despair and desolation.
Just as Elijah went to Mount Horeb, we must go back to those places of consolation in our lives and remember how God has always been with us.
In desolation we can be paralyzed by all the voices that are running through our heads. But how does God communicate with you? As we walk with God, we learn what God’s voice sounds like. He speaks not in the wind, earthquake, or fire as Elijah learned. But in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:9-12).
Listening to God’s gentle voice, taking Christ as your refuge, receiving strength through the Spirit, you need not fear. “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:10-11).
I would like to add that when you’re going through a time of desolation and you’re facing uncertainty involving a decision that needs to be made, now is not the time to make changes, until you return to consolation and your spiritual equilibrium is restored.
This week take a few minutes each day to quiet your heart and follow this pattern:
• Be still: Let go. Unclench your fist, relax your jaw.
• Be still: Pause. Step back. Stop what you’re doing.
• Be still: Quiet your heart. Take some deep breaths.
• Be still: Slow down. Sit quietly.
• Be still: Listen to what God is saying to you.
~ Pastor Dave
