“I’m a preacher, I only work on Sunday.”

I make this joke often to friends and acquaintances. We laugh because most people realize that working in ministry isn’t that simple, though I’m sure some may think it is. It’s my way of poking fun at myself for having a job that seems simple to some but truthfully is often taxing. In a given week I have sermons to prepare, a radio program to produce, articles to write, Bible classes to prepare for multiple age groups, and various administrative tasks for our congregation. It’s not a physically demanding job, but it is demanding nonetheless. I’m thankful to be doing fulfilling, challenging, and meaningful work that provides a family friendly lifestyle. In the midst of all of this, however, it’s sometimes hard to remain focused on the job that is at the core of not only my occupation, but my Christian profession; evangelism. 

I am reminded of the oft repeated phrase “be still”. This phrase is of course direct from scripture and I went back and read it when it came to mind. I was surprised by what I found. In Psalms 46:10, David speaks on behalf of the Almighty when he makes this statement. But in the context, it seems to have a different meaning than how we use it. David is reaffirming his faith in God as a source of strength. The context is war time. Trouble is present as it often was in those days. David talks of the refuge of God and the strength of the Lord. Even though it seems like things may fall apart around him, he is comforted by God.  

I am a practical thinker. I often observe a crisis and ask, “what do I need to do?” If I were David, I would be thinking of strategies and movements of armies. I would consider resources and the deployment of troops in battle. But that is not the conclusion David reaches. In many translations, this phrase is handled differently. The original language of the writing is Hebrew and these variances in translation are not incorrect as the word “raphah” has different shades of meaning. In total, they represent something deeper than just being still as we talk about it. That’s important because I literally can’t be still. There’s just too much that needs to be done. So “being still” can be more easily understood by reaching into the meaning of what David wrote. As written, the encouragement isn’t simply the cessation of movement or activity. More accurately, this word means to sink down, relax, or leave alone. In the context of David’s writing, he is speaking for God to remind himself that he needs to stop trying to exercise his control over the situation. In all of the turmoil and threat and trouble, David saw his own inclination to rely on his power and military might. In wisdom he acknowledges that God alone is in control and He will be the one to see David to victory.

You see, I struggle with the same thing. When times are trying, I look to myself. I see what I can do and what skills I possess to correct a situation. When it seems overwhelming, I try to “be still” but stillness is nowhere to be found amidst the responsibility to life. Even in quiet times I find myself plotting and planning to “fix” something or achieve a goal. Boy, do I miss the point sometimes. I’m defining it wrong. Being still isn’t just being quiet and it certainly isn’t a planning session. As David defines it, it means to back off. Make room for God. Stop striving to control it on my own and hand these times to my Lord who has created and sustains all things. Here’s to all of us finding peace and comfort in His power and not our own. May you discover the beauty of “being still” in the midst of a demanding life. 

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Derek Glover is pastor at Monroe Church of Christ.