Matthew 27:13-14 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
The most difficult time to be still is when the scorching wind of slander, false accusation and malicious malign blows on us. Jesus was the perfect example of ‘remaining still’ in the midst of the most atrocious accusations and allegations. The same people whom He served, loved and healed were standing on the opposition booth spitting wistful charges against Him. However, Jesus made no reply. He chose to remain silent. The disparaging courtroom appeared to be an unlawful defeat, but Jesus was winning over brutality, betrayal and bitterness with his silence. Ecclesiastes 3:7b A time to be silent and a time to speak.
When there is a surge of emotions to speak, argue and defend for ourselves, we must choose to be still. Reacting when our heart is broken will spew ugly, demeaning and harmful words, judgments and curses. Jesus chose not to respond as His defense would have automatically brought curse upon the false witnesses. He loved even the haters and mean accusers! There was no remorse or animosity throughout the ordeal of the treachery. Jesus walked the talk and is the living example of how to be still in the time of excruciating pain and disappointment.
To be still is to wait for God to intervene and fight the battle. If we fight it with our own ability God will stop fighting for us and defending us. Let God fight our battle. Be still and know that He is a just God.
Be still:
1. Soar: The secret to soar spiritually is to be still in the presence of the Lord. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting teaches us to be still. We must learn to be still in order to soar.
2. Sing: Songs engage our mind and our mouth. If the mind is left to meander, it will munch on negativity and be trapped in fear. Sing ‘songs of deliverance’ while waiting. You are my hiding place; You, Lord, protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah (Psalm 32:7). Singing keeps the troubled soul calm and still.
3. Still: To be still is to wait for God to move. Neuroscientist Jill Bolte-Taylor states that physiological lifespan of an emotion in the body and brain is only 90 seconds. We only have just over a minute to compose ourselves. It is important to choose to remain still when attacked by slur. Only those who wait on the Lord, learn to be still, sing through the storm, will soar to unimaginable heights of maturity, purity and serenity.
Be still, don’t stress. God will defend; there is no battle that He has lost.
Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Prayer: God my Defender, when the urge to speak, fight and defend rises up within me, strengthen my inner man to sit still, sing and soar into victory. Amen
Leave a Reply