Be quiet – be strong!

In the midst of world-changing events, we are bombarded by news and social media updates on an ongoing basis. Instead of pondering our uncertain futures, I would like to encourage you to simply be quiet and to consider the one unchanging factor – God.

The Word of God teaches in Ecclesiastes 3:7 that there’s a time to be silent, and I believe for many of us, that time is now:  “… a time to be silent and a time to speak”

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

In all of these verses, the emphasis is on being quiet on the inside, on being calm and at peace as opposed to fretting, making plans hastily, being anxious and succumbing to fear. Being quiet is a result of living in a love relationship with God. Quietness follows when we obey the Holy Spirit and allow Him to direct our lives; when we acknowledge that God is able and wants to strengthen and sustain us in every situation we face. He will be exalted, He will fight for you and He will deliver you!  Being quiet refers to the state of our heart and does not imply passivity. While being busy, productive and actively doing our daily work, we can be content and quiet in our hearts.  When we read and study God’s word and we take time to pray and listen to God, the Holy Spirit gives us peace and joy which in turn bring contentment and quietness of heart.

Psalm 131:2(NIV) describes this beautifully: “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.”

Isaiah 30 gives the account of how God warned Judah against an unhealthy alliance which they planned without consulting Him. He told them how they would suffer because of it. Yet, He invited them to return to Him and He would save and strengthen them.  This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength….” Isaiah 30:15 (NIV). Isaiah continues to relate how God is waiting for them to turn to Him so that He could be gracious to them. The Bible says “the Lord waits expectantly and longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him since He will never fail them. Is 30: 18 (AMP)

The amazing result of turning to God is described in the rest of chapter 30. God promises that your heart will be filled with joy and songs (verse 29).

May I encourage you to trust God in every area of your life, He is waiting expectantly for you and longs to be gracious to you. Let us spend time in His presence and get to know His voice. Let us turn our attention away from voices which induce fear and anxiety.  In quietness and trust in God is our strength!