The Miraculous in the New NormalSample

Stand Still in the River

The ancient Israelites knew something about crossing the waters. They had heard the story about Moses crossing the Red Sea. To the younger ones, it sounded like a legend, like a folktale. After all, it had been a very long time. 

Joshua knew he was no Moses. He heard the whispers from time to time within the camp; he knew there were plenty of people who would be quick to remind him that he was no Moses! But no matter. He heard the same voice Moses heard. And even though the river was in a complete flood stage, and the waters sloshed high up against the banks, he knew there was no going back now. 

He sent the priests ahead, carrying the ark of the covenant. This act was not empty or ceremonial. The ark represented the presence of God going before them, and if God did not go before them, they had no chance. He watched the priests’ feet descend into the mud as they got closer to the water, but their pace was slow, deliberate, and steady. They had prepared themselves for this; they had made their hearts ready, and their bodies followed suit. 

God had given Joshua a very particular command for the priests carrying the ark: “When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan” (3:8). As the priests walked in sync with one another, as measured as a bride walking down the aisle, their feet slowly dipped in the edge, feeling the cool, refreshing water between their toes. 

They had taken steps of faith, and there was nothing left for them to do. Whatever happened or did not happen now, it was not up to them. Coming into the flooded waters during harvest season, they stopped and simply stood there. Can you stop for a moment and stand with them? Can you let the truth wash over you that you are not responsible for your deliverance? Can you hear the ancient words of the psalmist in the wind, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10)? Can you be still and know? Can you stop stressing, flailing, striving, running—even stop thinking quite so hard—and just be still?

This is your life, but this is God’s moment. It’s time to stop trying to make something happen, and let the miracle happen to you. Making space is what you’ve been asked to do. It’s God’s job to perform the miracle. 

When the Israelites stopped striving and just stood still, the impossible happened. The waters flowing from above stood still, rising in a single heap on one side. The priests stood still on the now bone-dry ground in the middle of the Jordan River while the entire nation crossed to the other side. 

Just as it happened to them, it will happen for you. Prepare your heart and sanctify your mind. But when it is time to walk through the river, stand still—even though people will tell you that you are crazy for just standing there, even though you may fear looking silly, or the stray thought comes: “But what if nothing happens?” The miracle comes not for the strongest, the fastest, or those with the most willpower; the miracle comes to those who stop, stand still, and wait. It comes to those who are looking.

Verse to dwell on:

 He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.—PSALM 107:29-31, NLT

Scriptures: 

Joshua 3:8

Psalm 46:10

Psalm 107:29-31