Be still, and know that I am God… (Psalm 46:10, KJV)

I was thinking today about how people seem to be in a hurry about everything these days. Rushing here and there. Quick to give their opinion on whatever topic is being discussed. Quick to make a  judgement on a situation. Quick to get angry about every little thing. Or maybe even quick to say ‘yes’ when asked for help, adding one more thing to their ever growing list of things to do. But God’s instruction to us is to be still.

This reminds me of Mary and Martha. Martha was quick to jump into serving before taking the time to just sit at His feet. Mary “seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching” (Luke 10:39, Amplified). Mary seated herself and was listening. I wonder how many people seat themselves at His feet in prayer, only to do all the talking?

We see this contrasted again in Mary and Martha’s reactions to the death of their brother. In John 11 we see that when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she “went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.” Martha immediately began to give her opinion of the situation. Mary however remained seated and waited. As soon as He summoned her, “she arose quickly, and came unto him.” But before saying a word, Mary fell at His feet.

Even in Jesus’ reaction we see this concept of being still and waiting. It says in verse 6, “When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was” (KJV). Jesus did not move quickly. Jesus did not speak quickly. He was precise in what He did and what He said. He waited for instruction from the Father and only did what He saw the Father do and only said what He heard the Father say. He was precise in His obedience and in this case raised the dead.

I want to share a few scriptures that I pray will help each of us slow down and enjoy our Fellowship with Him, but also be much more precise about our words and our actions.

I will… watch to see what He will say within me and what answer I will make [as His mouthpiece]… (Habakkuk 2:1, Amplified)

…but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake;  but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12, KJV)

…he leadeth me beside the still waters. (Psalm 23:2, KJV)

…on thee do I wait all the day (Psalm 25:5, KJV)

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31, KJV)

Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and get angry. (James 1:19, Amplified)

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (Psalm 103:8, KJV)

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear I judge: and my judgement is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. (John 5:30, KJV)

Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God… (Psalm 46:10, The Message)

Slow down and sit at His feet. Wait and listen. Hear His voice and speak. Hear His instruction and move. Even as you stand in a crowded room, get quiet inside and listen for that still small voice. You will recognize it in the midst of the chaos because you took the time to get still and get quiet and hear Him in times of blessed silence.