Be Still
When I pulled out our Christmas bin this season, I had forgotten how much we’ve accumulated over the years. Right away, I saw some sentimental decorations. The first was a cute black matte ornament with “First Christmas 2013” on it.
Second, a wrapped Christmas present from 2020. When my daughter was around 4 years old our church wrapped up gifts for all the children. Our children’s Pastor, in faith, wrapped one up for my unborn son with his name on it. It remains at the bottom, waiting to be opened one day. It’s been like a physical reminder of God’s promise to me, that one day he will do what he said he would do. I’m here to tell you that you can find contentment in the in-between.
This month we are emphasizing spiritual stillness and rest. The Hebrew meaning for the word still means to let go, stop striving, slacken and let drop. Our example of this is Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The bible describes Mary as a teenage virgin, engaged to marry a man highly esteemed, and with a good reputation. Mary experienced great tension the moment God revealed He chose her to carry the Messiah into the world. This was going to be very disruptive to her life and her plans. Mary’s first reaction to this news is key to the rest and stillness we’re focusing on this month.
Luke 1:38: 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Mary’s immediate response was faith and obedience. Notice who she was listening to - God’s messenger. When we focus on what God is saying to us, we can rest in the uncertainties. Knowing that God works all things together for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28), we too can have the assured faith Mary had.
Later, we read Elizabeth’s response in Luke 1:45, “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
Elizabeth’s encouragement here is that of a trusted friend; someone in agreement with God’s promise. Our most tender promises from God require guarding. We all have a mental list of hopes, prophetic words and visions for our life. It is important to keep the right people around you, friends who match your faith and believe the Lord will do what he says. Having people like this in our lives keeps us from internally spiraling and instead remind us to rest in God’s promises.
It can be easy to move on from here and take away that Mary was superhuman. But there’s one more thing I want to point out. We read in scripture that Mary had an internal response when someone brought Jesus up:
“... but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” Luke 2:19, Luke 2:51
The root words in these passages indicate that deep in Mary’s heart she had to control her emotions. The actual definition to one of the root words is to “stand under” suggesting subordination, obedience, and submission. The tension she initially felt never left, but she kept contending, working it out and listening to God.
Staying still and resting in the Lord is a daily choice to actively remain in line with what He’s spoken over us. Sometimes we wrestle a bit. But believing God will result in being blessed every single time. Not believing leads to unrest and bitterness.
Mary’s name has two meanings, blessed and bitter. Mary had to choose; we have a choice too. God will allow us to walk through tension to show His glory and be evidence of his power and love. Rest and being still may not be easy for you. But if we follow Mary’s example, we can achieve it. Remember this:
Luke 1:45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."
Remaining faithful and being obedient while you wait on the promises of God will keep your heart guarded and safe. I'm grateful for the trusted few who believe with me for my promise. One day we will be able to put that gift under our tree and it will never return to the Christmas bin. Whether or not we choose to believe it, we are chosen, just like Mary. There is no one better for your blessings than you. We can only believe this if we choose to be blessed, and not bitter.
Share your thoughts in the comments.
Do you have a friend like Mary did in Elizabeth? If not, reach out to your life group leader or pastor for guidance and prayer.
What promise are you guarding and defending? Write them down and keep them safe.
Blessed VS Bitter: where are you at today with your precious promise? Take time to listen to God. Let Him do all the talking and ask Him to search your heart on this.