By Guest Author Kayla White
Ambush bugs sit motionless on flowers, exemplifying patience and stillness, anticipating a visit from an unsuspecting bee or butterfly.
Spiders spin webs in which to catch God’s provisions for them, and wait patiently near it’s edge for prey to come.
Praying Mantis wait quietly and patiently among vegetation for dinner.
Let their examples give us a picture of how to wait on God with patience and stillness.
“It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:26
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” Psalm 37:7a
Often we become impatient, seeking to make a way for ourselves when we see no open door, but straying from God’s ordained path for blessing usually leads to thwarted efforts or terrible results.
God reveals His faithfulness to save us through patience and stillness during periods of judgement. His power in deliverance and avenging His people of their enemies is seen at least twice when the Israelites were instructed to stand still during major battles.
“And he said, ‘Listen, all you of Judah…Thus says the Lord to you, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s…Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you…” ‘ ” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17 NKJV)
“And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today…The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.’ ” (Exodus 14:13-14)
We must, however, not confuse laziness with patient quietness. The spider that spins a web reminds us to be faithful to God through service, prayer, study of His Word, etc., and not expect Him to bless and save us despite a lifestyle that ignores Him; we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-9). If we are faithful, we can wait, hope, and expect the bestowal of His blessings and salvation on us and our families.
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him…On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” (Psalm 62:5, 7)