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, but you would have none of it. Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
Ding, ding, ding; ring, ring, ring; watches that vibrate on your wrist telling you to breathe or stand or move or “crawl on your belly like a reptile” or whatever, constantly distracting us from the important. It is the tyranny of the urgent at its best. Noise and distractions are rampant and they are one of Satan’s greatest tools. He keeps us from focusing on the important with the trivial. We can barely get a moment much less fifteen or an “unbelievable” thirty minutes of quiet solitude to focus on the most important – Him. This will end up being our downfall. We have created a group of “Shallow Hal” Christians confused over what God says is right or wrong with very little ability – if any - to “wield the Sword” effectively. Hence the condition of our society. The world has gotten into the church rather than the church getting into the world and we appear to like it that way. Who is standing up for the true Truth found in God’s Word. Indeed, it seems as if many are fabricating a god of their own making which appears nothing like Scripture. God never goes against His Word. Never. As Jesus told us, even the smallest letter is significant.
Quietness enables us to hear the “gentle whisper” of God, Who seems often not to appear in the powerful wind or earthquake or fire - as demonstrated in Elijah’s case - rather in a still small voice that is so worthy to hear. “Gentle whisper” is translated in Hebrew “the sound of gentle silence”. Sounds incredibly inviting, Amen? We need to listen and not only that, we need to apply what we hear as head knowledge alone merely puffs. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. It is His desire for you to know His will and His way and for you to walk in it. But we must first be quiet. He will not contend for the number one spot in our lives – it is our choice. And we are definitely the losers if we do not choose Him. “Nothing teaches us about the preciousness of the Creator as much as when we learn the emptiness of everything else.” Unknown
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32:17-18 (NIV)