It is a noisy period in history, there are so many voices and issues vying for our attention. As if our internal sound systems were not loud enough, we are contending with external opinions that seem almost impossible to avoid. Our interaction with unsolicited noise is pervasive and intrusive. It is persistently distracting, and for a faith that calls for steady devotion, it proves a great hindrance to our relationship with the Lord.
If we are not careful, we can find ourselves contributing to the obnoxious noise of our time and unfortunately see this streaming into our quiet times. We are in a day where there is much to be troubled about, so much for our hearts to wail and complain about and yet God’s exhortations to silence, gratitude and meekness have not become obsolete in the face of our troubles.
We would do well to learn the art of quietness in this season, as the Church that thrives, I believe, is the one acquainted with the voice of her Maker in the quiet place.
Waiting with quiet trust
We are encouraged a lot in the Psalms to embrace the discipline of waiting quietly before the Lord. The Psalmists seem to have gained great benefit from learning the art of silence. Waiting quietly before God seemed to have produced in these people of old a certainty and confidence in God and His word.
This confidence and trust in the immutable character of God is what we need in this time where there are voices that are seeking to exalt themselves above the knowledge of God.
In the busyness of our day, we need to become a people that know God, His voice and His truth. I believe that comes from a place of entering into conversations with God and allowing Him time to speak to us first through His Word and His Spirit.
In the face of the degradation of our cultures that will ultimately lead to the Church being opposed in grave and dire ways, we must be acquainted and certain of His truth, character and promises. We cannot learn His voice if we are always talking or listening to other voices.
Curing busyness
Psalm chapter 62 verse 5 says “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Psalm chapter 130 verse 5 says” I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”
Isaiah chapter 64 verse 4 underscores how the Lord comes through for those who wait “From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.”
These verses are categorically opposed to the lifestyle that many of us live. We are often guilty of squeezing God into our schedule versus setting aside time to have Him set our schedules. The results are seen in how we are easily derailed by the noise around us, or our state of perpetual anxiety.
This does not seem to be the life we are exhorted to live. Instead, the example of Jesus showed us that solitude with His Father was a consistent and regular pattern of His life.
We stand to benefit from observing what the gospels tell us about Jesus’ devotional life and the results from His relationship with the Father. Jesus’ life was purposeful, yet not distracted, it was meaningful yet not dictated by the loudness of the culture. We too must learn this, as a time is coming where our intimacy and security in our knowledge of God will be tested by the real fiery trials of persecution.
Jhenelle has been a born again Christian for almost 17 years. She is grateful for the opportunity given by the Lord to mix all her passions, dreams, giftings and skills together.