Be Still

Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
"Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
—Psalm 46:8-10 (NIV)

"Cease striving and know that I am God"

We rarely admit how hard we try to fix ourselves. We may not say it aloud, but our calendars, prayers, and thoughts betray us.

We think if we work hard enough, pray long enough, read deeply enough, God will surely be pleased. And maybe then we'll change.

We often live as though sanctification — the process of becoming more like Jesus — is ours to manufacture. We read the latest book, listen to hours of sermons, and pour ourselves into avoiding sin, all in an effort to become "holy enough," as if the phrase God helps those who help themselves were gospel truth.

We know that our salvation is made possible by faith alone. We could never work hard enough to earn it. But somehow, we have become convinced that sanctification is something that we must accomplish by effort.

But Scripture tells a different story.

God helps those who cannot help themselves.

In the margins we find a better way. In these places, our strength finally gives out. We run out of verses to quote and pep talks to rehearse. And it's there... in the silence, that scripture speaks the loudest:

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." —Romans 5:8

God didn't wait for us to clean up. He moved toward us while we were helpless. There is something about our surrender that draws Him near.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast." —Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

God knows our pride. If holiness could be earned, we would take the credit. But He is the One who transforms — and He waits until we stop striving.

Even our confidence that we know what needs changing is often rooted in pride.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." —2 Corinthians 12:9

It is in our weakness that God's power flows. Surrender is not quitting — it is accepting that we lack the ability to effect real change.

Those who try to help themselves chase change and find disappointment. But those who are still and know — they find God.

God is not waiting for us to help ourselves. He meets us in our struggles and offers grace.

In those still places — the margins — the miracle begins. Not a performance. Not a reward. A resurrection.

(Written in confinement.)