To Be or Not To Be… Quiet…
THAT is the Question
Be still and know that I am God. ~ Psalm 46:10a
Sometimes life becomes overwhelming even for the most meticulous planner. Thinking we’ve found the perfect balance between work and family, however, there are many moments that can’t be accounted for because we can only control those things within our power to change or adjust in some way. When life seems to pass me by, in warp speed, I try to wrestle with it and make my schedule work, however, there are times when my spirit tells me to be still and get quiet. Though tempted to ignore it, I reluctantly obey because I know continuing on with all of the noises, decisions, people, lesson plans to write, appointments, basketball practices, basketball tournaments, college visits, etc. will only cause me to become stressed out and irritable. In the busyness of life, even I, Ms. Determined, need a quiet break to regain my footing. Silence to hear what God has to say to me.
Life as a single mom is beyond hectic. My day begins sometimes at 4 am because I’ve got to get my Bible study time in before I head out to the gym by 5:30 am (essential to clear the sand the Sand Man left behind). By 7 am my workout is finished and I head home to rouse the troops so we can begin another day in the Frank household. My 12 yr old is the first to get up; followed by my grandson, Galaxy. My 14 yr old bear is not so easy to wake up and thus begins the battle between me and a pubescent teenager who seems to grow taller every night. We’re almost always late leaving since this giant insists no one woke him up and begins growling at anyone who crosses his path. Out the door, finally, by 8:15 am and I’m already late for work. The drop off routine begins. I’m the first out the car and then my daughter drops off her brothers, followed by Galaxy at daycare and then rushes to class. As the day unfolds, I long for lunch time when I lock my door and sit at my desk to bask in the quiet. I need that silence to get my mind right and have a brief conversation with God for His help to get through the remainder of the day. Scripture reminds me that this break in the day is necessary so I can refocus my mind on God and His promises (Isaiah 26:3).
It also stands, then, that those times when things seem to bombard me and try to knock me over, it’s often easy to lash out at those closest to me, i.e. my kids. When those times come up, I really do try to keep quiet so I won’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Sometimes I go to my bedroom and close the door. The kids have learned that I’m giving myself a timeout for our sake and they leave me be. At other times I go out to walk the trail behind my apartment complex so I can hear God’s voice in the wind. The writer of James tells us “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God (1:19-20).” It’s a natural reaction to become frazzled when life becomes a bit much, however, it also means that the balance we seek isn’t all that balanced because God isn’t in the mix.
Quiet time, silence, is essential to reconnect to the Spirit of God to recharge our batteries so life doesn’t beat us up too much. It’s also when believers must study the scriptures and tuck away those verses to call up when life swells up against them. The writer of Exodus reminds us that “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent (14:14).” During your quiet time with God, pour out ALL of your worries and cares at His feet. He already knows how to handle each and every situation, however, He needs our permission to act on those things. Trust that He can juggle all of our lives so much better than we can. We have only to trust and believe He can and will (Psalm 33:4-6; 1 Chronicles 16:11; Exodus 15:2; Isaiah 41:10; 40:28-31).
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“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent (14:14).” What a powerful verse. I will take that one to heart, for sure, because the balance I often seek is to be in control, or feel I am. Rather, I must learn to be quiet so God can have it, and get the heck out of His way! Thanks Denise, for a peek into the reality of your life. Such refreshing honesty!
Diane,
We both know how challenging it is for us to be quiet in such a busy world. Yet, those who have kinda sorta mastered it are those who take that time to get quiet and just be.
This is the most recent lesson I’ve been learning. It’s hard! But so worth it.
Yes! I know it!
Denise! Denise! There is SO much great stuff in this post. God bless you for all that you are doing in your life! I would be exhausted. How wise you are not to have a single quiet time every day. You are seeking out God and stillness multiple times a day. You are awesome!
Love this, Denise. Also, yahoo for your amazing discipline!
Great reminder about tucking those verses into our hearts, too. My goodness, it’s so comforting when they come to mind – and occasionally convicting. But good all the same.