“Be Still” The Answer We Don’t Always Want To Hear

It’s not easy to admit when you did something wrong, but I did.

© Jane Isley

To my embarrassment, it was recently brought to my attention by God that many struggle, some really bad, with His answer of “be still.” He pointed this out to me because I had become blind to those feelings and for that, I am truly sorry.

I openly accept His answer of “Be still” with more trust and patience than I ever did in the beginning when I first encountered this. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no saint, I still struggle, just nowhere near what it used to be.

I would sum it up as a 300° turnaround instead of a full 360°.

What He pointed out to me.

I had forgotten my battles and struggles to get to where I am today. I took that for granted when talking to others and forgot just how hard that can be for some people. I felt like I’d be in this “preaching” mode, so to speak, sometimes, instead of just sitting and listening to them.

I’d say “be patient,” or “just keep praying” and leave it at that. For some, this wasn't an issue, but for many others it was and I was negligent in my responses to them.

I sometimes forget how my brain works, and I have to continually remind myself that I simply don’t think or talk like most people. In my mind, it makes sense to “just believe” and leave it at that.

Guess what that could possibly lead to?

Coming off as a cocky, know-it-all jerk that diminishes their struggle, and drives them away.

You know what they need, though. During their “be still” struggles, besides sitting, they need to know they are being heard. They need to hear your personal struggles, the times you were still and had to wait. What did it feel like to you? What did you do to help you through the “be still” part?

Give them examples. Be a real person. Not everyone is to the point you may be in your faith and understanding of the Bible. Be aware of that and remember your own struggles.

Your story is someone else’s life raft.

I want to propose a different way of looking at “be still” for anyone struggling.

“Yes”, “no”, and “be still” are all solid answers from God, with yes and no having obvious meanings.

But what I want to describe is a different point of view to that sometimes dreaded “be still” answer.

When we are going through a storm and need direction, feeling the call to give but don’t know where, struggling with a minor or major life decision, and the many other things life can throw at us, we pray and request an answer from God, and we want that answer in 5–7 business days. Then “nothing” happens, it feels like God took a vacation.

Instead of getting frustrated or thinking He’s not hearing you, try this.

Change the focus from just yourself and your situation to seeing that God is having you wait and be ready for something. He wants your continued prayers.

Because.

He is in the process of guiding another person or situation to also be ready.

Then, when both you and the other person/situation are ready, God will create an intersecting point of contact, and you will receive your answer.

© Jane Isley

First published in Know Thyself Heal Thyself on Medium.

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