In Crisis Counsels we have been tracking a memorable story from II Chronicles 20 about a time of great crisis in the land of Judah in the mid-ninth century B.C. Faced with an invasion of three foreign armies allied together, King Jehoshaphat and all the people of Judah first turned to God in prayer, then began to hear a message of guidance from Jahaziel, one of the musicians in the temple, who was inspired by the Spirit of the Lord to speak God’s message to the people. Jahaziel directed them to head out against the invaders and to gather in a dry river bed, the Ziz wadi, while the invading forces would be making their way up to that point. Jahaziel’s next word to them was stunning: “This battle is not for you to fight; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem!” (II Chronicles 20:17a)

Once they were in position, the people were not to do anything! Their instruction was to “stand still.” As unusual as this instruction is, it resonates especially for us today. We are being told to “stand still” – stay at home, don’t travel, and keep your distance from others. We chafe against that sort of instruction! But perhaps this is an opportunity for us to see the world in a new way and to open our eyes to what God is doing.

Some of the most important events in the Bible unfold as people are “standing still” in faith and prayer, opening themselves to the working of God. The entire ministry of Jesus was preceded by a forty day period in which he “stood still” during a time of fasting in the wilderness. The parting of the sea during the Exodus happened after a statement by Moses which was the predecessor of Jahaziel’s call. Moses, standing in front of impassable waters, said, “Stand still, and see the salvation of God.” (Exodus 14:13) Perhaps these days can be for us our own time of standing still, ceasing from some of our usual hubbub of activity, so that we can be receptive to the working of God and prepared for a deeper journey of faith.

Daily Prayer: Guide us, O Lord, in stillness, to see how You are at work among us. Share on X

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.