“…You need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14b

Fear is contagious. It wraps its tentacles around our heart and twists away our confidence and hope. Fear is especially dangerous when we are right on the verge of something amazing. And, fear is everywhere these days, isn’t it?

The Israelites had been delivered from slavery in Egypt by the hand of the living God through Moses. They stood on the banks of the Red Sea only moments away from God’s spectacular and final act of deliverance against the Egyptians, but fear of the Egyptian army had invaded their hearts. And now they were whining that they wanted to go back to Egypt. Better to be safe and a slave than die seeking freedom! And so they whined and grumbled and panicked.

Moses’ reply to them says it all: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

“You need only to be still.” The dictionary defines “still” as “deep silence and calm.” When fear is raging, we are encouraged to be deeply silent and calm. Why?

The answer is in the following verse…””Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me. Tell the Israelites to move on.’” (Exodus14:15)

Why be still? Because it’s time to move on! Fear stricken, panicked people cannot move into the future God has for them. Whining accomplishes nothing. Fear must not be given free rein in our lives because it immobilizes us and causes us to look back for our future, which is impossible and deadly.

So, what do we prefer? Slavery to the safety of our past? Or freedom in God’s future for us?

I am reminded of the words of Patrick Henry, the great American patriot who stood on the precipice of an amazing future in 1775: “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

So, will I panic and whine and look back? Forbid it, Almighty God!

Or will I be still and be ready to move on? I do not know what course others may take, but I choose to be still. And I am poised to move into God’s future, whatever it may hold for me.

How about you?

“Be still and know that i am god.” Psalm 46:10