Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.
Psalm 37:7 NIV
The pedestrian traffic lights in Berlin, Germany, depict a man with a hat quickly moving with big steps in green or a man with a hat standing with outstretched arms in red. These were the pedestrian symbols of East Germany, and now most of the traffic lights in united Berlin use them. People just love them because they show so much energy. The man has a paunch and a snub nose, making him somehow sympathetic, something we can identify with. They are also safer because the shining surface is larger.
On my Facebook page I use pictures of these figures for my profile photo. I usually post the little busy green man when I am away from home for a while, and when I return the red one takes over again.
I had returned from a holiday, but due to a busy schedule I forgot to change my profile picture from green to red. Our granddaughter saw the green figure on my Facebook page and wondered, “Where are they now?” Well, I had forgotten to post the waiting red figure.
I just happened to change my profile picture on a Friday evening. Soon a friend posted a comment on my red stout man who almost looks like a cross, “Aha, Sabbath.”
I hadn’t thought of that, of course, but the idea was great! Stop and wait for God’s blessings. Stop rushing about with hurried steps and enjoy the Sabbath. I normally hate to wait. But Sabbath is different. Even though I am often involved in church services, the Sabbath is a day of rest. Facilitating praise through music soothes the hassle of my “green” days and directs my attention to the red figure with outstretched arms, filling my heart with gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Why is being still often so difficult? Letting go? Waiting? The Lord is on our side. We can let God provide, because He is our best heavenly Friend, who loves us and wants to soothe our sorrows and fears.
I need to learn to wait patiently for the Lord and commit my ways unto Him and trust in Him. I am sure that is something we all need to do.
Hannele Ottschofski is news editor for the EUD Women's Ministries website
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