God’s Promise:
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
—Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
No Good and Worthy Soldier Goes Without Training
When my kids were younger, I noticed something that every father has experienced. Whenever I started explaining something, especially something they were eager to hear, I wouldn’t get more than a few words in before they cut me off:
“I know, Dad!”
“You already told me!”
“I got it!”
At first, I would push back. I’d remind them that if they already knew, then I had no reason to continue. I’d ask them, “If a glass is full, can you pour more into it?”
But over time, I learned something better.
I stopped responding. When they said they already knew, I let them sit with it. I moved on. I said nothing. And soon, they started listening again.
Later, I told them: Even if you think you already know something, be quiet and listen. You might learn something in the process.
This wasn’t just for them—it was for me, too.
The Discipline of Being Still
Men, as leaders, husbands, and fathers, we must learn the art of quiet strength. Society tells us that leadership is about talking, fixing, and controlling. But the Bible tells us something different.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this. He often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16). He stood silent before Pilate (Matthew 27:14). He taught that true greatness comes through humility (Mark 9:35).
I start my mornings with one simple act: I acknowledge God first.
Not by listing my problems. Not by bringing my requests. Simply stating, as Mother Teresa says, “Good morning, Jesus.”
As I move through my routine—walking the dog, making coffee, heading to my war room—I talk to Him. I recognize who He is before I bring anything to Him.
I don’t pray to fix a problem at work.
I don’t pray for my family.
I don’t even pray for guidance yet.
He comes first.
The Strength of Being Still Before Battle
No good and worthy soldier enters battle without training. No warrior fights well without discipline. And as men, we are spiritual soldiers, responsible for guiding and protecting our families.
But our strength doesn’t come from ourselves. It comes from Him.
This is Proteuo—the Greek word for preeminence. It means putting God above all else. Before we lead, we must first sit with Him. Before we take up our sword, we must be still.
Psalm 46:10 says:
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
This is not a passive stillness. It is an active surrender. It is an act of war against our own need for control.
It is stepping into the Qadosh—the Hebrew word for holy, set apart, and sacred.
It means setting aside time in the dark—removing distractions, shutting out the noise, and seeking Him before we step into the battles of our day.
Christian Soldier: Enter Your War Room
The time you spend in the quiet is your preparation. It is where you pick up your sword. It is where you train. It is where you listen before you lead.
Stillness before God is not weakness. It is power.
It is an act of trust.
It is an act of humility.
It is an act of strength.
If we want to lead our families well, we must be men who are willing to be quiet before God.
Your war room is your training ground. It is where you submit, listen, and prepare for battle.
Shepherding in Action: Today’s Value
Stillness in Leadership—The greatest leaders are those who know when to be still before God. A shepherd cannot guide his family well if he does not first listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you prioritize time in silence with God each day? How can you create a habit of stillness before you begin leading?
- Do you listen more than you speak? In your home, in your marriage, in your walk with God—where do you need to practice quiet humility?
- What distractions keep you from your “war room” time? How can you remove them and make space to be still before God?
Bible References:
- Psalm 16:11 (In His presence is fullness of joy)
- Psalm 46:10 (Be still and know that I am God)
- Luke 5:16 (Jesus often withdrew to pray)
- Matthew 27:14 (Jesus remained silent before Pilate)
- Mark 9:35 (True greatness comes through humility)
My Personal Journey:
These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes, leading and discipling like Jesus.
To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or click here to subscribe to the YouTube channel.
#TheHarvestField #fatherhood #servantleadership #FaithfulShepherds #ChristCenteredHome
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