July 24

Morning

But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. — Exod 14:13 BSB

These words express God’s command to the believer when they find themselves in overwhelming situations and extraordinary difficulties. When there seems to be no way forward or backward, and they are hemmed in on every side, what is the believer to do? The Master’s word is simple: “Stand still.” It will be a blessing if, in such moments, we listen only to the voice of the Master, for many other voices will offer advice that leads astray.

Despair whispers, “Just give up—lie down and die. There’s no hope.” But God wants us to be courageous, even in our darkest times, and rejoice in His steadfast love and faithfulness.

Cowardice says, “Turn back. Go back to the ways of the world. Being a Christian is too hard; it’s too much to ask. Give up your principles.” But if you’re a child of God, you can’t do that. God has called you to move forward from strength to strength, and nothing—not even death or hell—can make you turn from that path. If, for a moment, He asks you to stand still, it’s only to renew your strength for the next great step forward.

Haste cries, “Do something! Anything! Standing still is a waste of time.” We think we must act immediately instead of waiting on the Lord, who not only can act but will do everything in His perfect timing.

Presumption boasts, “If there’s an obstacle in front of you, charge ahead and expect a miracle.”

But faith listens to none of these voices. Faith hears God say, “Stand still,” and stands firm, like a rock. “Stand still”—hold your ground like a person ready for action, waiting for further orders, calmly and patiently expecting the next directive. It won’t be long before God speaks again, just as He did to Israel, saying, “Go forward!”

Evening

The LORD raises His voice in the presence of His army. Indeed, His camp is very large, for mighty are those who obey His command. For the Day of the LORD is great and very dreadful. Who can endure it? — Joel 2:11 BSB

Reflect, my soul, on the might of the Lord, who is your glory and defense. He is a warrior; His name is Jehovah. All the forces of heaven are at His command. Legions of angels await His orders, cherubim and seraphim stand ready, and every principality and power is subject to His will. If our earthly eyes were not so blinded by flesh, we would see horses and chariots of fire surrounding the people of God.

The forces of nature are all under His absolute control. Stormy winds, lightning, rain, snow, hail, and the gentle dew and warm sunshine all obey His commands. He loosens the bands of Orion and binds the sweet influences of the Pleiades. Earth, sea, air, and even the hidden places beneath the earth—all serve as barracks for Jehovah’s armies. The universe is His battlefield, light is His banner, and fire is His sword.

When He goes to war, famine sweeps the land, pestilence strikes the nations, hurricanes rage across the seas, tornadoes shake the mountains, and earthquakes make the world tremble.

All creatures, great and small, obey His dominion. From the great fish that swallowed Jonah to the flies that plagued Egypt, all serve Him. Even the smallest creatures, like the palmerworm, caterpillar, and cankerworm, are part of His great army.

My soul, make sure you are at peace with this mighty King. Even more, make sure you are enlisted under His banner. To fight against Him is madness, but to serve Him is glory. Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, is ready to receive recruits into His army. If you are not already enlisted, go to Him tonight and ask to be accepted through His merits. And if you are already a soldier of the cross, take heart, for the enemy is powerless compared to your Lord, whose army is mighty beyond measure.