Encouragement for Today

April 19, 2025 Learning How To Sit and Remain KIA STEPHENS Lee en español

“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.” Matthew 27:61 (NIV)

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On Silent Saturday, Jesus was dead and buried. The finality of this moment must have overwhelmed the disciples. They were sandwiched between the intensity of Jesus’ death and the doubt of His resurrection. Everything was silent and still, and they were likely unsure what to do next. This moment reminds me of an experience I had with silence.

“Your assignment is to ask God what He wants you to know and then write it down.” This was the homework from my therapist. She wanted me to sit in silence with a pen and paper until God responded.

What?

I was uneasy immediately. Usually, I did all the talking when I spent time in prayer. Not to mention that I’ve never been the most patient person in the world. Exactly how long was I supposed to stay on my knees waiting for Him to speak?

Despite my apprehension, I obliged her request. Initially, I was able to tolerate the stillness for about five minutes. The next time, I fell asleep on the floor. The third attempt was met with more sitting, restlessness and silence. Day after day I sat, questioning whether the thoughts in my head were from me or the Holy Spirit.

I wanted this exercise to be quick — something I could check off my to-do list. But this task was not to be rushed. It required me to sit and remain.

After Jesus’ death, we see Mary Magdalene’s willingness to be still. Once Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimathea asked for His body. He wrapped Jesus’ body in clean linen cloth and placed Him in a new tomb. Then Matthew 27:61 says, “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.”

Whether they were weeping or in a state of shock, they remained — devoted to Jesus equally in life and death.

There was nothing Mary Magdalene wanted from Him, yet she chose to sit in the presence of her Savior. What Christ had already done was enough for her to love Him. In Luke 8:1-3, we learn Jesus had cast seven demons out of her. As a result, Mary Magdalene devoted her life to following Jesus wherever He went, even to His grave.

Mary Magdalene was faithful in the stillness. The uncertainty of tomorrow was not her concern. She simply sat mourning at the grave of her Lord.

This type of stillness is a lesson I learned several months after my therapist-assigned homework. While writing in my journal, I suddenly realized God had been answering my question throughout the year. He had given me revelation and insight regarding specific areas of my life.

I assumed His response would be immediate, not realizing it would be in His timing. Maybe God was waiting on the posture of my heart to mirror Mary Magdalene's: one of longing to sit and remain in the presence of our Savior.

Heavenly Father, teach me how to be content to sit and dwell with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

John 19:25, “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene” (NIV).

How might God be leading you to sit and remain? What lesson might the Holy Spirit be teaching you?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2025 by Kia Stephens. All rights reserved.

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