July 24

“Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”

Exodus 14:13

Adapted from Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening — Morning, July 24

"These words contain God’s command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties."

What are your extraordinary difficulties today? Surely many have gone before us with similar straits: the enemy closing in on one side and a deep river on the other. Going back is impossible, and going forward feels like certain death.

It is often in seemingly impossible dilemmas that God does His most glorifying work. How much better to listen to the voice of the Lord than to the endless counsel of worldly wisdom.

Despair whispers, “Lie down and give up.” But God calls us to put on cheerful courage and, even in our darkest moments, to rejoice in His love and faithfulness.

Cowardice urges, “Retreat. Go back to the world’s way of doing things.” Yet we cannot follow that counsel, for we are children of God. His call is to go from strength to strength, and neither fear, death, nor hell should turn us from that path.

Precipitancy cries, “Do something! Anything! To stand still is laziness.” Yet how often we rush to fix what only God can accomplish. We feel compelled to act instead of looking to the One who not only does something, but does everything.

Presumption boasts, “Step into the sea and expect a miracle.” But faith listens neither to Presumption, nor Despair, nor Cowardice, nor Precipitancy. Faith listens for the voice of God, who says, “Stand still.”

Like a rock, we are to remain steadfast — ready for action, expecting further orders, patiently awaiting His directing voice. And when His timing is right, He will say to us, just as clearly as He said to Moses and the people of Israel, “Go forward.”

Prayer

Lord, increase my faith so that I am not overcome by fear when trials press in from every side. Help me to stand still with cheerful expectation, trusting Your love, Your wisdom, and Your perfect timing. Teach me to wait for Your voice rather than run ahead of it, and let me be ready to move the moment You say, “Go forward.” Until then, help me to stand firm and watch for Your salvation. Amen.