“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35 NKJV).
God’s taking me to a place I’ve never been. Quiet.
Quietness is more than silence: it requires trusting God with everything and having our souls completely rested in Him. Stillness is essential to peace that induces hearing and knowing God.
By nature, I excessively talk but agree with Elisabeth Elliot’s advice, “Not everything needs to be said; and, not everything needs to be said by me.”
I hope to master the art of quietness and being still. Be still --is a command rather than a suggestion in Psalm 46:10. A calm ‘hush’ is how Elijah heard the still small Voice (I Kings 19:12). James, Jesus’ brother instructs ‘be swift to hear and slow to speak’ (1:19), Apostle Paul’s version: study to be quiet (I Thess. 4:11).
Every life that desires productivity and strength needs privacy into which only God enters. We must intentionally withdraw from worldly noises and clamoring activities. Many times we’re anxious about past failures and the joy of a peaceful heart is lost.
A full cup has no room for the Lord’s wine.
Heavy burdens surrounded by chaos causes forfeiture of rich communication with Jesus. As children of God, we need time away from hectic schedules, beepers, cell phones and demanding people. Dare I mention screaming children?
An oasis of peace awaits when we bow beneath the nail-pierced feet. Priceless inner confidence is gained and has beneficial value for burdened spirits. More than anything we need rest from our rumbling minds. He promises to quiet us with His love (Zephaniah 3:17), a beautiful verse to be certain and one which gives encouraging relaxation in all situations.
When we allow that great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20) to lead beside still waters, we can expect an invasion of serenity that passes understanding. Not only that, but His whispered sweetness satiates our whole being --swallowing emptiness into His immeasurable care.
“Most of man’s troubles come from his inability to be still” -Blaise Pascal
