Why is it so difficult to do nothing? I’m considering the admonition given by Samuel in his farewell speech when he said, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes (1 Samuel 12:16). I like the last part of that verse: see this great thing the Lord is about to do. But I’m not real wild about the standing still part, how about you?

I have trouble standing still because I prefer doing something, and I prefer being in control. Another reason standing still is hard for me is I’m just not a patient person. I want things to happen now. I hate waiting. My mind tells me, “If you’re standing still, nothing is happening.” But God’s Word says, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes.

I think one reason I am not a patient person is because I hate loose ends. I want to complete the loop and make sure every package has a neat bow on it before moving on. But so often life is full of loose ends, and we must stand still and let them be.

Paul wrote patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit of God, one of the evidences God’s Spirit is in control of your life. I can sure tell you when I am patient, it is not me. It is God’s Spirit in me, because I’m not good at being patient. But I’ve been praying about being patient, and believe it or not, I am more patient today than I used to be. God is helping me learn how to stand still and let him do it!

Here are some little secrets helping me learn how to stand still. When you are emotional about any situation, it is not the time to act. Stand still until your emotions have calmed down and you can be certain you’re thinking straight. Often, we really want to do something when we’re upset or angry, because our emotions are at such a high. But you’ll probably regret whatever you do or say at that moment. Stand still when you’re emotional and wait until those emotions are under control.

I’ve learned to discipline myself to sleep on it. Whatever you think you must do, get at least one good night’s sleep before you do it. How different things can look the next day. One woman told me when she’s upset, she writes it on a piece of paper and puts it aside for two days. After two days she takes it out and decides if it’s still important. If so, she does something. If not, she tears up the note and puts it behind her. That’s a good discipline to help you learn to stand still.

Remember, sometimes we must say to ourselves: Don’t do something; just stand there!