Quietness

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. Isaiah 30:15 (New Living Translation, NLT) emphasis mine

This verse speaks of the value of quietness. It gives us strength. In today’s fast-paced world, most believers do not take advantage of quietness. Instead, Christians are busy and anxious, going to and fro all day long, and then find themselves unable to slow their thoughts down to sleep at night. Their strength becomes drained and they become weak in their bodies, their minds, and their emotions. As a result, their decision-making is adversely affected and they find themselves making poor choices and causing themselves more and more problems. Whether it is debt, sickness, failed relationships, or whatever, many issues come from failure to have times of quietness before the Lord. When Christians display these kinds of problems before the world, the unsaved can see no difference between their quality of life and that of a child of God. It’s a troublesome way to live and hardly a good witness.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Matthew 11:28 (Amplified Bible Classic Edition, AMPC)

When was the last time you sat down and just spent time before the Lord doing nothing but thinking, pondering, and meditating? We need time alone to stay physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually healthy. It is important that we develop the habit and art of quietness. Let’s look at the art of quietness first.

Quietness is an art. It is to be developed intentionally. We can get better and better at quietness the more we do it. The best way to quiet ourselves before God varies from person to person. Quietness is accomplished when we are able to turn ourselves away from the activity of the day and rest. We may choose to play quiet, restful music to get ourselves in the proper frame of mind. Some people choose to read a few verses of the Word to get their minds slowed down. Others are able to sit down, close their eyes, and use their imagination to take themselves away from the cares of life. Quietness doesn’t necessarily mean we have to act super-spiritual and think only on the Bible. We may choose to sit and dream about the future. We might contemplate the current events in our lives. We could revisit enjoyable times and events in our minds. We might just spend time relaxing and giving ourselves a mental break.

If you find yourself beginning to worry and focusing your thoughts on negative things during your dedicated quiet time, it is defeating the purpose of being quiet. If the enemy tries to invade your quiet time with fear, anxiety, or other negative emotions and thoughts, use your authority to cast him out. Speak the Word of God to remove him from your presence. You’ll have to be firm and persistent, but the Bible says he has to leave. Quietness is not intended as a time for you to fret about things.

So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (Amplified Bible, AMP)

Now let’s consider the habit of quietness. Quietness must become a habit in order for it to be the most effective. If we could carve out regular time to sit and think, I believe we would be healthier people overall. The best time for this is anytime that works for you. I personally find that evening is my best time to be quiet. And if you have a family, either early morning or later in the evening may the only real time you have to be alone. Please understand that I am not advocating that quietness should be a substitute for daily time alone with God in worship, prayer and in His Word. I am saying that using quietness possibly once a week or month can help you collect your thoughts and be rejuvenated.

Quietness serves several purposes. It allows us to simply rest and recharge. That is why God instituted the Sabbath in the Old Testament. We can be more productive if we take time to rest. Every person needs rest. It also allows us to tap into our inner man and draw out ideas and make plans. Quietness also puts us in position to hear from and receive from the Lord. It is difficult to hear His voice when we are always on the go.

Be still, and know that I am God Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

Slow yourself down. Sit in your favorite chair. Relax your body. Calm your mind. Enjoy the blessed quietness as it seeps into your soul.