MIF 9:3 (May-June 1977)
Be Still, And Know That I am God
It is hard to be still when all is turmoil and commotion around —when dangers thicken and troubles multiply on every hand. There is at least a moral heroism in battling single-handed with opposing hosts even if you fall in the struggle. Controversy has its uses as well as its dangers, and never let us forget that the Judah-remnants who returned to Jerusalem from their forced exile of 70 years were men who could wield the sword as well as handle the trowel. “For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded” (Nehemiah 4:18). There are times and seasons, when the advances of our wily foe on the citadel of our most holy faith, must be resisted in spiritual energy — foot to foot, and inch by inch. The sword must not be sheathed, must ever be sharpened and burnished for ready use. The armour is needed for conflict with Satan and wicked spirits in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:11-13).
There are, however, times when God seems to hide Himself, when our only safety is in doing nothing. The voice of our Saviour-God is heard beside many a Red Sea difficulty,—Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.” It is a hard lesson to “stand still” in the presence of opposing foes. Jehovah is the Living God. Cloud and storm are beneath His feet and His throne remains unmoved. Can’t you, won’t you let Him act for you? Be still and see the wonder-working arm of Jehovah clearing a path for your feet. Once more the seas divide and Jehovah has triumphed, and then we sing.
— from the Selected Writings of Walter Scott