I’m a sitter. Leaning against the wall when there are available chairs is not my preferred stance. There’s something about standing that disagrees with me. Add a requirement of stillness to that position, and my insides turn into an ant marathon. The same thing happens to me spiritually.
Scripture admonishes us to stand. While we often associate that with taking a stand. The aspect of standing upright and at attention also applies. No shifting side to side. No leaning first one direction, then another. No shaking a foot gone numb from immobility. No meandering. Just standing.
Not a position of my choosing.
I’d rather be walking. I love those moments the Spirit of the Lord invites me to do so. I like the movement. I thrive on forward motion and progress. “Let’s get it done,” is my motto. Give me active words like running, walking, or even sleeping, but leave out the in-between position of standing. I don’t like it. It feels neither productive or restful. Combine standing with stillness, and the result is a mix of the two things I find most difficult to do—focus my attention and remain inactive.
Ephesians 6 says that after we’ve done all, we are to stand wearing the armor of the Lord. Since a standing target is much more easily hit than a moving one, the battlefield is likely not the place that we are to stand. The King’s presence, however, is. Armed militia stand at the ready in the presence of their leader. Their weapons aren’t drawn. They aren’t debating the plan of attack. Their quiet presence says they are listening. Attentive. Waiting for the command. They aren’t slouching against a piece of furniture or passing time with idle conversation. They aren’t strolling around, admiring the room. They are at their post--watchful, alert, ready. Yet they are quiet, still.
God wants us to assume this position of standing in His presence, of waiting patiently for His directives. I’d rather march up to Him and be handed instructions I already understand, but He beckons me to come close, into the silence. As much as I dislike them, God chooses the in-between. And somehow, in the silence and the waiting, I discover I am not only standing, but taking a stand as well. In this position, my focus shifts. Though I remain watchful of the enemy’s encroachment, I’m no longer panicked by the weapons he aims at me. I quit fearing him and instead, stand in awe of my Captain. Though I’m mindful of my usefulness, my attention moves away from my tactics and skill. I cease trusting myself and trust Him instead. When I’m standing still, God gains my focus. I realize it is He who calls the shots so I don’t have the pressure of a failed battle strategy. I’m mindful of His power, and my soul thrills to follow such a leader. I grow confident of His knowledge, and I trust His directives. Standing still, I become attuned to Him, and I delight to meet His desire. I’m ready to serve, to carry His missive to the destination He appoints, or should he call, to engage in battle. Standing still prepares me for active duty.
But God doesn’t only charge us to stand. He doesn’t only invite us to walk with Him or adjure us to run the race. He summons us to sit. Ephesians 2:6 says we are seated with Him in heavenly places. Seated, we rest and find replenishment in His presence. We rule over circumstances rather than war over them. Still attentive to Him, we unwind, with full permission to fidget and fellowship, an agreeable position for an antsy sitter like me.
Tip/Tidbit: Today, let’s sheath our swords and draw near to Jesus. Let’s stand in His presence by staying in prayer and waiting in faith. Let’s lean in to Him and hear His voice. Standing still with our eyes on Him, we will find reprieve from the angst of the world, love for our fellow man, and a cross that leads to a crown.
"...stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: " Exodus 14:13
"...Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you." Numbers 9:8
"...stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. "Job 37:14
Scripture admonishes us to stand. While we often associate that with taking a stand. The aspect of standing upright and at attention also applies. No shifting side to side. No leaning first one direction, then another. No shaking a foot gone numb from immobility. No meandering. Just standing.
Not a position of my choosing.
I’d rather be walking. I love those moments the Spirit of the Lord invites me to do so. I like the movement. I thrive on forward motion and progress. “Let’s get it done,” is my motto. Give me active words like running, walking, or even sleeping, but leave out the in-between position of standing. I don’t like it. It feels neither productive or restful. Combine standing with stillness, and the result is a mix of the two things I find most difficult to do—focus my attention and remain inactive.
Ephesians 6 says that after we’ve done all, we are to stand wearing the armor of the Lord. Since a standing target is much more easily hit than a moving one, the battlefield is likely not the place that we are to stand. The King’s presence, however, is. Armed militia stand at the ready in the presence of their leader. Their weapons aren’t drawn. They aren’t debating the plan of attack. Their quiet presence says they are listening. Attentive. Waiting for the command. They aren’t slouching against a piece of furniture or passing time with idle conversation. They aren’t strolling around, admiring the room. They are at their post--watchful, alert, ready. Yet they are quiet, still.
God wants us to assume this position of standing in His presence, of waiting patiently for His directives. I’d rather march up to Him and be handed instructions I already understand, but He beckons me to come close, into the silence. As much as I dislike them, God chooses the in-between. And somehow, in the silence and the waiting, I discover I am not only standing, but taking a stand as well. In this position, my focus shifts. Though I remain watchful of the enemy’s encroachment, I’m no longer panicked by the weapons he aims at me. I quit fearing him and instead, stand in awe of my Captain. Though I’m mindful of my usefulness, my attention moves away from my tactics and skill. I cease trusting myself and trust Him instead. When I’m standing still, God gains my focus. I realize it is He who calls the shots so I don’t have the pressure of a failed battle strategy. I’m mindful of His power, and my soul thrills to follow such a leader. I grow confident of His knowledge, and I trust His directives. Standing still, I become attuned to Him, and I delight to meet His desire. I’m ready to serve, to carry His missive to the destination He appoints, or should he call, to engage in battle. Standing still prepares me for active duty.
But God doesn’t only charge us to stand. He doesn’t only invite us to walk with Him or adjure us to run the race. He summons us to sit. Ephesians 2:6 says we are seated with Him in heavenly places. Seated, we rest and find replenishment in His presence. We rule over circumstances rather than war over them. Still attentive to Him, we unwind, with full permission to fidget and fellowship, an agreeable position for an antsy sitter like me.
Tip/Tidbit: Today, let’s sheath our swords and draw near to Jesus. Let’s stand in His presence by staying in prayer and waiting in faith. Let’s lean in to Him and hear His voice. Standing still with our eyes on Him, we will find reprieve from the angst of the world, love for our fellow man, and a cross that leads to a crown.
"...stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: " Exodus 14:13
"...Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you." Numbers 9:8
"...stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. "Job 37:14
RSS Feed
