Being still is both necessary and difficult for most of us. Suffolk University professor Beverly D. Flaxington writes, “This culture values action, movement, success, and the quest of more, more, more, and more. If you aren’t moving and you aren’t conquering and you aren’t rushing, there must be something wrong with you. The faster someone goes, the more important they seem to be. Working long days, multiple jobs, and through nights and weekends is acceptable and valued in many circles.”
But in recovery, less can be more. Moses said, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). Surrender to God must be absolute. And it must be a daily decision. C.S. Lewis said it perfectly: “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.”
There are several benefits of being still and letting God fight for you:
- Reduced stress
- Better sleep
- Improved listening skills
- Hearing fresh ideas
Recovery Step: You tried being a control freak; had that worked, you’d be writing a column on recovery rather than reading one. So try surrender – total, daily surrender. Learn to be still and let God fight on your behalf.
