Don’t Just Do Something—Stand There
Learning to Be Still When God Is at Work
Christmas is often wrapped in nostalgia. Familiar songs. Familiar traditions. Familiar words. For many of us, even the translation of Scripture we hear on Christmas Eve carries comfort. These are the words we remember. These are the words that formed us.
Luke’s Gospel tells the story plainly and beautifully. Shepherds in fields. Angels in the night sky. A baby laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn. And tucked quietly into that story is a sentence that is easy to overlook:
“But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
Mary didn’t rush. She didn’t react. She didn’t try to explain herself or control the narrative. She pondered.
That posture—being still—is not something we practice well.
We live in a culture of movement. Fix it. Solve it. Do something. Yet the focus verse for the coming year speaks a different word:
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
Those words were spoken to people trapped between an advancing army and an impassable sea. They made no sense. How could standing still possibly help?
And yet, standing still was not the end of the story—it was the beginning of obedience. First, be still. Then, when God speaks, move.
The Red Sea parted only after the people waited long enough to hear God’s instruction.
Mary understood this rhythm. She stood still long enough to ponder. She trusted God to defend her reputation. She trusted God to fulfill His promises. And when it was time, she moved—faithfully, obediently, quietly.
Scripture echoes this call again and again:
- “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” – Psalm 37:7
- “Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
- “Peace, be still.” – Mark 4:39
Stillness is not passivity. It is preparation.
So perhaps the word we need most this Christmas—and this coming year—is this:
Don’t just do something. Stand there.
Because even when you can’t see it yet, the Lord is fighting for you.
—– —– —– —– —–
GO DEEPER: Discipleship Study Guide
Main Scripture: Luke 2:19; Exodus 14:14
Main Idea: God invites His people into seasons of stillness so they can trust Him before moving forward in obedience.
Key Takeaways:
- Stillness is not weakness—it’s trust.
- God often speaks after we stop striving.
- Pondering prepares us to obey.
- God fights for us in ways we cannot see.
- There is a time to stand still—and a time to move.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is stillness so difficult for us?
- Where might God be asking you to pause right now?
- How does Mary model trust for us?
- What happens when we act before listening?
Next Step:
Choose one intentional moment this week to be still before God—no agenda, no fixing, just listening.
Prayer Focus:
Trusting God’s presence and power in uncertain situations.
Memory Verse:
Exodus 14:14
Sermon video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lsIDQ9n3SE
[Blog post created by Sunday Message Repurposing Assistant from original sermon content preached by Rev. Kent F. Jackson on December 24, 2025.]
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