There is a man in my church who is a man of quiet strength. He is the calm amidst the storm. I find myself watching him curiously. I wonder about him. Is it is personality? Is this how God created him? Or, is it the manifestation of Christ Himself; a display of the quiet power of our Savior?
This scripture comes to mind:
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
Paul is asking 3 things:
1. Lead a quiet life.
2. Mind your own business.
3. Work with your hands.
He continues with the outcome of following such things:
1. To win the respect of outsiders.
2. To not be dependent upon anyone.
One of the tell-tell signs that I am abiding in Christ is a quiet spirit, thus a quiet life. I have moments of this stillness; moments when the evidence of Christ in my life is visible. But, I also have moments of noise; more than I'd like to admit unfortunately.
Something that I have noticed in my own life is that in the middle of a crisis, I seek a quiet spirit. It's almost as if God reveals Himself to me most clearly during these times. Often, during those times of no conflict, when all seems to be plugging along without glitch, that I feel a "disconnect" of sorts.
I'm feeling a bit quiet today. A "crisis" has entered our lives. As I draw near to God, I find myself praying for this same quiet spirit during all moments. I find myself asking Him to work on my heart---to make it my ambition to lead a quiet life...always.
"Be still and know that I am God."
Yes, Father. Yes.
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5 comments:
Randee, my spirit is anything but quiet today, but not because of a crisis like your family is going through. (My prayers, of course, are with you.) I woke up knowing I had a million things to do this week and no possible way to accomplish them all. And then instead of turning to Jesus, I decided to just let them eat away at me so I could increase my stress level. To be fair to myself, I just haven't had enough sleep either. Anyway, your post is thirt-quenching. Only by turning to God will that quiet spirit return, and my connection to the divine. Again, my prayers are with you.
Sometimes (most times) the decision to rest in God is a day by day, minute by minute decision. Don't you agree? Yesterday, my pastor gave the most incredible sermon on "failure" and the grace of our God. I'd really like to have everyone listen to it. I may just ask his permission to post it on the PCC website. It was such a blessing...and real. Gut real.
Dear Heavenly Father, give Anne the rest she needs both physically and spiritually. Lord, you are the God of rest if only we would take it. Do the work in our hearts. Give us the ambition to lead a quiet life...just for today. Let us think of tomorrow when it is today. I love my sister, Anne, and you do too. Shower your love on her today. In the name of Jesus...Amen.
Now...peace, my sister...peace.
For the most part I'm a quiet spirit. I lead a quiet life. I do not get involved chaotic things.
Mentally, I am unable to cope with it.
However, on occasion, things can get quite chaotic. I retreat during these times to seek the stillness of God.
Kimberly
Good word, Kimberly...retreat.
Imagine what the world would be if every single individual has a "retreat with God" daily.
Ah...but the day is coming. It surely is.
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