Quietness. Yes! Even with my sanguine and outgoing personality, I love solitude and quietness. I actually crave it. Quietness…some definitions I love:
- making no noise or sound, especially no disturbing sound
- restrained in speech, manner, saying little
- free from disturbance or tumult; tranquil; peaceful, a quiet life
- being at rest
- refraining or free from activity, especially busy activity
- making no disturbance or trouble; not turbulent; peaceable
- free from disturbing thoughts & emotions, mentally peaceful, a quiet conscience
- expressed in an unobtrusive way
- not showy or obtrusive; subdued
- not busy or active
The past few months have been a lesson for me in the discipline of quietness. I read a tweet recently by James MacDonald of Walk in the Word Ministries. It simply said:
“Finding out all the facts in every fiasco you face is overrated –
consider the discipline of not knowing – it will help you give grace later on.”
I wasn’t “facing a fiasco” as mentioned in the tweet, but had been through a season in life that was difficult and quite frankly, was draining me in body, soul, and spirit. As I sought solitude God began to speak to me through His Word, drawing me to quietness, to “not knowing everything going on.” This “not knowing” brought peace. Here are some passages that really encouraged my heart:
Exodus 14:14
“The LORD will fight for you, and you have onlyB)”> to be silent.”
Job 34:29
When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble
Psalm 4:4
“Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still”
Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips
Isaiah 30:15
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
Isaiah 32:17
“The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness,
quietness and assurance forever.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11
that you also aspire to lead a quiet life,
to mind your own business and work with your hands
If you are going through a rough time, step back, get quiet, and be still before the Lord. The wonderful passage in Psalm 46:10 about “being still” means cease striving…take your hands off, relax. I promise you this, you will find out and know – HE IS GOD. He has everything well under control – yes, HE IS GOD.
Get some rest, seek quietness. I know you young moms and busy wives have precious little solitude, but try to carve out some time in the day, even if only a few moments…to just close your eyes and meditate on the goodness of the Lord. Be Still. R-E-S-T in Him.
~Georgia Jan
Oh how I’m thankful you shared this with me via twitter this morning. Its so hard when I’m “wired” to be not so quiet. However…i’m seeing life a little differently as my oldest turned 15. I had some deep revelations when it comes to time and realizing its moving faster than I’d like.
I say I want to be intentional, but I didn’t really follow through. The birthday came, the thoughts of past present and future came, and the understanding of life and relationships HIT ME.
I’m being quiet for a bit. At least quiet for me. 😉 I’m removing the things that are simply busy.
Relationships and community really are everything.
I love ya sister. This blessed and encouraged me so.
A great word and scriptures. Thank you. I bet we can all use a little more quiet and stillness.
This spoke so much to me, and I am headed to the cabin for a few days of quiet. Going to reflect upon this…..love, Yolanda
http://yolandarogers.blogspot.com/
Oh Jan, this is such a pertinent reminder to me. I don’t do ‘quiet’ very well.. I’m just a naturally ‘busy’ person, but I know that God calls me to quietness before Him more often than I obey. Thanks for the reminder.
Leah
PS: I love Isaiah 30:15. I built an entire message around it one time.
From one sanguine to another — I relish my time of quietness. It’s something that recharges my spirit.
Thanks for this wonderful post reminding me to seek quietness.