SITTING IN QUIETNESS
When life happens . . . He gives quietness! As it happened, my guys got up before me this morning, which is not our family modus operandi; typically I’m the first to haul my carcass out of the bed in the morning! And so when I finally was able to get to my quiet place, around 6:30 this morning, I felt a certain excitement as I sat down and grabbed my favorite devotional. I was alone. I was going to speak with God and hear from God, because I needed to! My coffee in one hand—my devotion in the other, and these were the first words that I read: He gives quietness. (Job 34:29) Oh, can I tell you that I instantly began to breathe?! Maybe those simple words have begun to place His breath in your lungs too?
Within an hour the phone began to ring. In our normally quiet neighborhood, a steady stream of cars began to buzz by our home (an apparent garage sale in the neighborhood). Our 90 pound dog started begging for her breakfast . . . and so went my study plans for the morning. I had my time with Lord; time in His Word and prayer, but I had also planned on studying for the remainder of the morning. But life continued to happen . . . it is now afternoon and my house is quiet again, and as I began to return to my thoughts of this morning, I remembered, He gives quietness!
I need a little quietness right now. Lot's of stuff going on. You know, life?
If I wasn’t accustomed to practicing the presence of God, I would easily have been derailed this morning—but because I have this little habit, I received a much needed blessing today. He g a v e quietness! He gave quietness to my soul! I gave very very little. In fact, I mostly just sat! But, He giveth and He giveth . . .
“Quietness amid the dash of the storm. We sail the lake with Him still; and as we reach its middle waters, far from land, under midnight skies, suddenly a great storm sweeps down. Earth and hell seem arrayed against us, and each billow threatens to overwhelm. Then He arises from His sleep, and rebukes the winds and the waves; His hand waves benediction and repose over the rage of the tempestuous elements. His voice is heard above the scream of the wind in the cordage and the conflict of the billows, “Peace, be still!” Can you not hear it? And there is instantly a great calm. “He giveth quietness.” Quietness amid the loss of inward consolations. He sometimes withdraws these, because we make too much of them. We are tempted to look at our joy, our ecstasies, our transports, or our visions, with too great complacency. Then love for love’s sake, withdraws them. But, by His grace, He leads us to distinguish between them and Himself. He draws nigh, and whispers the assurance of His presence. Thus an infinite calm comes to keep our heart and mind. “He giveth quietness.” STREAMS IN THE DESERT by L. B. Cowman
The amazing thing is this: When we finally come to Him; weary, tired, anxious, or whatever—He performs the exchange! As we s i t in His presence, and continue to sit in His presence, it feels as if He sucks all of the hard and heavy stuff out, and then replaces it with His light sense of peace; quietness amid the loss of inward consolations.
And then you b r e a t h e !
Make yourself sit. Make yourself be quiet. Make yourself speak His Name. Make yourself read His Word. Make yourself listen.
And He will do the rest!
Blessings to you my tired comrades,
Christi
BTW: I bought this little orchid at a Farmers Market yesterday. She is so pretty JUST SITTING in quietness, don't you think?