Quiet

<<calm, silence>>

God often reveals His power through the spectacular yet speaks in a gentle voice to the hearts of people. Elijah saw the display of the physical elements and storm, however only when all was quiet did he hear God’s voice (1 Kgs 19:11-13).  Don’t expect God to just speak to you in church or when meeting with others. In fact it is often more meaningful and life-changing when it is just God and you in conversation.

As God won’t shout over the turmoil and noise that we so often surround ourselves with, regularly withdrawal from the noise and activity of a busy life to humbly and quietly wait on Him, allowing Him time and opportunity to speak, besides being refreshed in your whole personality (Mk 6:31). From these periods of refocusing, you will be revitalised. Quiet indicates peace, things under control and with a lack of activity; a stopping of the endless activity characterizing modern life that is largely opposed to the directive “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). Our strength comes from quietness and trust in Him, not frantic self-effort (Isa 30:15; Zech 4:6). The result of living rightly will be peace and confidence within, undisturbed by the chaos around us (Isa 32:17,18). The Bible instructs us to live a quiet life, fulfilling our calling without meddling in the affairs of others or being focused on our outward image instead of giving attention to the inner self (1 Thes 4:11; 1 Tim 2:1,2; 1 Pet 3:3,4).

The Holy Spirit gives guidance and convicts of sin in the consciousness of our hearts without noise,  and God quietly goes about His business of fashioning saints before He thrusts them upon the ‘centre stage’ of ministry – yet even then, the training continues.

A person who knows their authority can speak with a calm quietness of voice while a quiet and controlled response diffuses potential arguments (Prov 15:1; Eccl 9:17). When verbal insults were directed at Jesus, He did not retaliate but committed Himself to God (1 Pet 2:23). When Jesus delivers

Pray for wisdom to know when to speak and when to keep quiet

from the tormenting mental bondages that afflict many people’s lives, there comes a quietness and calm that is truly a transformation (Mk 5:1-20).

There are occasions, though, when we need to speak out. As Christians who know the peril that awaits those who die without trusting Christ as Saviour, if we keep silent and don’t warn them of this impending doom, we will be held accountable for failing to tell them about Jesus (Ezek 33:6).

See also: peace, quiet time, silence.