There are days when I really need this verse.  God makes a HUGE promise to the Israelites, right when they needed it most, but deserved it least.  They were scared of a coming fight, and out of their fear, they began to complain.  They said “wouldn’t it be better if we were still slaves? Why did you bring us out here?”

That’s right.  They were longing for the good ol days of enslavement in Egypt.

And what did God do?  Send them back to teach them a lesson?
NO – he stayed and fought for them.

“Stop worrying.” He said. “You only need to be still and I will take care of the rest.”

I heard a podcast yesterday where a researcher who studies happiness discovered that the number one key to happiness isn’t good things happening, but being present just where we are.

Not looking forward, not looking back.

This is an extremely difficult task.

But this is, in a sense, what God is asking of the Israelites here.

Stop worrying. Don’t be scared.
Stop thinking about how things used to be, or what is going to happen in your future.

Be still. Be present where you are right now.

And God will do the rest.