When We Hear "Don't"

 

Be still in the presence of the Lord,

and wait patiently for him to act.

Don’t worry about evil people who prosper

or fret about their wicked schemes.

~Psalm 37:7

 

When I read this verse, three things jumped out at me. Three things that I have a difficult time doing.

1. Be still

2. Wait patiently

3. Don't worry

 

Am I the only one who struggles with this? My bride, and people who know me, can tell you that I may be physically stationary, but I am far from still. My mind is constantly seeking to process all that's being taken in and, as a result, I will fidget. I usually keep a coin or pen or some object handy to occupy my hands, but my mind is constantly processing. Being still does not come easily and there are only a few places I can go where being still seems to become simple.

 

How on earth are we to Wait Patiently for God to act? I am one of those inquisitive people who wants to know how, when, where, what, and why! I will concede that patience is learned (usually from having your patience tested to the point your head feels as though it will explode), and it's a lesson I am still learning. But God's time isn't our time. What I am learning is that God has a plan for me, and it is God's job to get me where I need to be to fulfill that plan. The part that is the hardest to process is the time God takes getting me there. But a wise friend once told me that God might be preparing me for where I need to be or He might be preparing the place for me. God's timing is very humbling!

 

Then there's the whole "Don't Worry" issue. When was the last time someone told you "Don't"? Don't touch that! Don't eat that! Don't look! And what became your obsession? Doing exactly what the "Don't" told me not to do! When God sent His messengers to earth to tell us something, what did they always say? "Don't be afraid!" Why? Because we were afraid? I don't know about you, but I worry a LOT! But God is teaching me, with extreme patience I might add, that I need only do what He shows me to do and He will work the promise miracle of Romans 8:28.

 

Perhaps it is time to step back, be still, be patient, don't worry, and let God do His job!