For the past year, I have felt a burden on my heart to be still. I am not plagued with anxiety. My problem is not “busyness.” It is my nature as a “planner” and a “fixer” that makes stillness so uncomfortable.
When people hurt or struggle in my general vicinity, I can begin to feel frantic. My mind races to a list ways to help, almost simultaneously generating and discarding ideas.
How can I serve?
What can I send do to assist?
Can I organize a larger effort to help?
What can I say that would give comfort?
I helplessly watch friends living with illness and disease and know that I can provide some comfort but no hope. I worry for loved ones bearing personal stress far beyond what their hearts can manage. I see friends suffering through tough times, and my heart aches for their pain and exhaustion. I read of tragedies involving our brothers and sisters in Christ, and tears well up inside me for the losses.
The truth is, aside from demonstrating care and concern, there is often nothing I can provide that will truly help the situation.
But God is mighty to meet each and every need. He can provide comfort and blessings more rich than I can even imagine. He can heal and give new hope when all hope is gone. He can light the darkness and redeem what is lost.
I must be still. I must be in His presence. I must fully cast those cares on Him.
There will always be ways I can demonstrate my love and support, but there is only one true way I can be faithful in helping those I hold dear.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” {Galatians 6:2, NIV}
Certainly it provides comfort and a sense of community when I mail a card, check in by text message, help babysit, or deliver a meal when others are in need. But there is deeper and more intimate work left to do. God is breaking my heart to pray intentionally and continuously for those in personal battles.
I want to be faithful in committing to pray for those needs the moment they enter my thoughts, before the ever-present brainstorming list comes to life.
I’m learning to be still for my own good. When my personal circumstances are overwhelmingly beyond my control, God has called me to be still.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” {Exodus 14:14, NIV}
When the evils of this world terrify and paralyze me, God has called me to be still. The psalmist instructs us to “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” {Psalm 37:7, NIV}
Likewise, when I long to help those around me, I know He has called me to stop first, and be still.
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Related: Gift these words of encouragement to a friend — with a super cute pouch to carry her things in — and express your heart of thankfulness for God’s blessing of friendship.
Leave a Comment
Kate Williams says
Great words, Amanda! Thank you for this. I needed to hear these words today!
Amanda Jobe says
Thank you, friend! I’m glad it was timely.
Anna Smit says
Thank you, Amanda. This is something I feel I am being called to do more too…such a hard practice for someone who’s mind is constantly on the go, always looking for things to “do” and not to just “be” in the presence of God. “Being” and not “doing” is, however, drawing me so much closer to the LORD.
Amanda Jobe says
Thank you for your comments, Anna. I’m glad I’m not the only one! 🙂
Kathy Wallace says
I feel that need to be a fixer for others and it hurts me so when I can’t find a way to help. I am dealing with this situation right now and praying for direction to help a loved one. Thanks for this post and making me feel I am not the only one who feels this way.
Amanda Jobe says
Thank you for sharing, Kathy.
Susan G. says
Thanks for this! I couldn’t have said it better. I too have come to the conclusion that it will be prayer that changes things more often than what I do. So glad God does have it all under control, even when it seems like life and the whole world is coming undone!
Great reminder for us to pray, pray, pray!
National Day of Prayer is this Thursday! Join with me and pray on ladies!!
Amanda Jobe says
I love how you put that…”prayer changes things more often than I do.” Thank you for your kind words.
Lina Rochette Hill says
This blog validates exactly what I am going through right now. Thanks!! I know this somewhere within my, but it is very nice when it is confirmed in writing. I especially need to do this for my atheist friends as I find the very best way to intercede for them in on my knees in prayer. Thanks again!
Amanda Jobe says
Thank you for your comments, Lina!
Inspired Life says
Amanda,
All day the Lord has been ministering to me in the area of rest. He said “I will lead you beside still waters.” My mind wanted to be in a hurry today but I literally sat myself down beside some still waters and communed with the Lord. I’m reading this at the end of the day and through your words the Lord is confirming “You’ve chosen well today daughter.” Thank you for the timely confirmation.
Amanda Jobe says
I’m so glad it spoke to you!
Beth Williams says
Amanda,
I feel just as you do. When someone hurts, is sick, has loved ones in hospital I immediately want to send money, cook a meal, etc. God sometimes calls us to pray! I find that if I stop and pray for others immediately it gives me a sense of peace. I, too believe God is calling me to be still and rest in Him!
Blessings 🙂