“Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord—for He is raised up out of His Holy Habitation.”
Zechariah 2:13
Only in the solitude of soul do we hear His “still, small Voice” (I Kings 19:12).
Silence.
Stop what you’re doing right now, dear Pilgrim, and “be still and know that He is God” (Ps. 46:10a). Turn off the radio or television if they’re on. Move into another room and close the door if others are nearby. Sit quietly with the open Word before you and “be silent before the Lord.”
What do you hear?
A ticking clock nearby? The whrrrrring fan of the computer as you read these words? A car passing by outside? A barking dog? A plane flying overhead? Your own breathing?
Anymore, in our worship and pursuit of technological gadgets, silence has become a lost art—a precious, priceless commodity. And, if the truth be known, we’re uncomfortable with it.
Why is that?
Because of the “noises” that emerge from our heart and the depths of our soul.
We’re so busy. Much-to-do-about-nothing. Engaged in trivial pursuit. Harried and hurried. Places to go. People to see. Things to do. Rush, rush, rush.
Then, we wonder why we’re so stressed out. . .worn out. . .burned out. . .fed up.
Has not the Lord said “In returning and rest shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” (Is. 30:15b)?
Most assuredly He has.
But, He also went on to add “And you would not” (v.15c).
Yet, it need not be that way, weary one.
Not when the Master has given us a special Invitation to draw near (Mt. 11:28-30).
Rest and reflection always travel together. And, it’s in our quiet moments of meditation upon God’s Word that we hear His Voice more clearly and are renewed (Ps. 1:2-3).
So, what shall it be?
Business/busyness as usual?
Or, a commitment to be “silent before Him, knowing that He has stepped out of His Holy Habitation (Heaven)” and purposely chosen to rendezvous with you right now?
Learning solitude of soul doesn’t come naturally, easily or quickly. It takes practice, discipline and making it a priority. But, by “seeking Him first” (Mt. 6:33) you’ll find Him—the God of the universe—more than willing to spend that time with you. So, be still and “seek those things which are above as you set your affections on them and Him” (Col. 3:1-2). You’ll be glad you did.
November 2, 2011
