May 9, Sitting Quietly
A time to be silent.
Ecclesiastes 3:7
Silence is a struggle for many. Sitting quietly and allowing God’s Holy Spirit to create for you a divine moment of listening has become a forgotten discipline.
But quietness of the soul becomes very necessary for every believer.
Quietness of the soul! This is indeed a lost reality for many people of faith. But we are called at times to silence. The great wisdom of King Solomon reminded us from God’s Holy Word that “there is a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). These simple words first given sometime between the 10th and 9th century B. C. remain as fresh and applicable for this very moment.
As revealed from within many narratives of the Old Testament, silence is often the greatest support in times of loss and grief (as Job sat with his friends in mourning for seven days, Job 2:13). Silence at times becomes the only suitable response to the wickedness of the day (David said, “I will put a muzzle on my mouth in the presence of wickedness,” Psalm 39:1). Silence represents a necessary response of faith (as David instructed his own heart, “my soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope in from Him,” Psalm 62:5). When Solomon instructed that there is a time to be silent, all of the above examples are suitable references that perhaps Solomon had in mind. But, for this moment, focus on the third example referenced: silence as a necessary response of faith.
As David instructed his own soul to wait silently (Psalm 62:5), the expressed posture of his life became submissive and confident trust as that of a servant before his master. Notice that David situated his own soul in silent waiting “for God only.” Spurgeon wrote of this verse, “unmingled faith is undismayed.” This reminds us why silence is indeed a suitable response of our faith. For, quietly posturing oneself before God keeps our faith singularly focused and unmingled by the many varied talking points of this present day. David said of this call to silence, “my hope is from Him. . . He is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:6)
Today, take your opportunity to silently wait before the Lord. Enjoy the quietness of the soul. If not now, be strategic. Unplug, lay aside distractions, and quietly dwell with your Lord and King, and your Abba. Not long ago, my youngest daughter sat beside me and laid her head on my shoulder. She was not crying, nor did she ask for anything. She simply sat beside my, said, “hi dad,” and made herself comfortable. It was only momentary. But I cannot begin to describe the joy brought on by her quiet moment with me. “Thanks Sarah Joy!”
Hey, here’s a thought: you should try that with God.
Blessings.
READ
Read Psalm 62:1-12 and be encouraged in your faith through a powerful moment of silence.