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A snake I believed to be poisonous was moving directly toward me.  Someone cautioned me to be still and quiet.  However, the closer it came, the more difficult that advice was to follow.

I had a decision to make and I remember that decision well!

Quite a few years ago, three other teachers and I took our students on a field trip to an Army Ranger Jungle School.  Our plan was to watch Army Ranger instructors handle poisonous snakes.  After the show, we would observe a variety of reptiles kept on the base.

Before the demonstration, the instructors gave us detailed rules to follow.

First, they reassured us that it was highly improbable for snakes to escape during the show.

Then, they issued a stern warning.  In the event that a snake did get loose, no one was to speak or leave his or her seat.

Panic and chaos, they explained, made it difficult to retrieve an escaping snake. They repeated these instructions to us several times.

The trained Rangers effectively and impressively handled several snakes. Suddenly, one of the snakes became extremely difficult to manage.

Special “sticks” which had, up to this point, effectively controlled and contained the snakes, batted one snake into the watching, and now horrified, crowd.  As the snake sailed through the air, I noticed it coming directly toward my face.  Fear began to grip me as well as the teacher in the next seat.  We were still and quiet for an extremely long second or two.

Unfortunately, full-blown panic quickly set in.

We simultaneously got up and ran in opposite directions while eighty students sat quietly in their seats as instructed.  And then, a student picked up the plastic snake that fell to the ground behind our seats. This prearranged prank provided a laugh for some and a lesson for me.

I’m not sure I would respond any differently to that particular scenario, but I do see applications concerning a spiritual response to disturbing circumstances.

It’s not easy to sit quietly and confidently when that which is extremely terrifying or even simply troubling comes our way.

According to Isaiah 30:15, though——–

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. “Isa 30:15 NIV

People sometimes let us down, but God is faithful, reliable, and trustworthy.  God’s promises are certain and His instructions are sure.

Unfortunately, the power of resting in the Lord with a quiet confidence often takes a backseat to an immediate response prompted by what we see or hear.

Consider these situations where quietness and stillness were, and are, the ingredients for success. 

Before the walls surrounding the city of Jericho fell, the people were instructed in Joshua 6:10 that “not a word” should proceed out of their mouths.

In 2 Chronicles 20:17, the Israelite’s were told they would not need to fight, but should simply stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

Wives are told in 1 Peter 3:1 that they can win their husbands without a word by having “a meek and quiet spirit.”

Psalm 37 cautions us not to get stirred up over the actions of others.  It challenges us to “rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”

Regardless of the situation causing concern and maybe even panic, it helps to remember that——–

Psalm 46:10 encourages us to “be still and know” that He is God. A strong impulse to act and speak can quickly overpower the discipline needed to get still and quiet before the Lord.

If this is as challenging for you as it is for me, be encouraged. We can ask for help.

“Father, this is an area in which we struggle. Please calm our rapidly beating hearts and give us the direction necessary to shape our response. And then, help us to wait quietly and confidently for You. Thank You for being Faithful and True, always. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen”

^“ . . .  Blessed are all those who wait for Him.” (Isaiah 30:18 NKJV).

Your DoAhead  Friend,

Lauren