November 17, 2024
“For in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers, all things have been created through him and for HIM!” Colossians 1:16 (NRSV)
“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11 (NLT)
What is the importance and power of quietness? Where do you go to find solitude to be better positioned to hear from God?
In a world where political unrest, tensions, and societal challenges dominate headlines, the power of quietness offers a profound refuge. Quietness does not equate to passivity or disengagement; rather, it is a deliberate act of stilling the soul to find clarity, strength, and inner peace.
Recently I experienced a space and time of quietness that was like medication for the soul! It was a time and place where there were no interruptions from the internet and social media, no usual daily routine interactions or traffic noises, in other words, quietness except for the calming waves of the sea.
Quietness and quiet time are important aspects of each Believer in Christ’s everyday life, for this is when we go to a comfortable and rather secluded place or a place where we can draw close to God with no distractions. Away from the constant buzz of social media notifications or anything that keeps us from a true connection with God.
Too often the business of life robs us of quiet time set aside for a meeting between a Believer in Christ and God. Quiet time often consists of reading and meditating on a part of the Scripture of the Believer’s own choosing and praying.
Quietness refers to a state of inner peace, stillness, and calm in the presence of God. It is the intentional practice of silencing external distractions, worldly concerns, or internal anxieties and focusing on communion with the Holy Spirit. Quietness is not merely the absence of noise but a posture of humility and receptivity, allowing God’s voice, guidance, and presence to become more evident. Have you experienced God’s voice in a moment of stillness?
Even our Lord and Savior frequently moved away from the others to commune with His Father regularly, as noted in the Gospels. Matthew 26:36 “Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray”. Mark 1:35 says “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Luke 5:16 “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”
Quietness and solitude were a habit even for Jesus. People were clamoring to hear Jesus preach and to have their diseases healed, but Jesus made sure he often withdrew to quiet, solitary places to pray. Many things clamor for our attention, and we often run ourselves ragged attending to them. However, like Jesus, we should take time to withdraw to a quiet place to pray. Our strength comes from God, and we can get it only by spending time with HIM!
Drawing near to God is a rewarding experience, and once a regular habit of quiet time is created, a specific time for study and prayer. It does not matter the length of quiet
time, but it should be enough time to meditate on what was read and then pray about what God reveals to you through His Word.
When our schedules are so full and pressing that we feel we cannot carve out some time daily to meet with our heavenly Father, it is time to adjust our time. When a revision of our schedules to weed out the “busyness” is in order.
HEART CHALLENGE: Allow Quietness To Transform Your Life and Witness: Matthew 6:6 “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” Allow your time with God to influence every aspect of your life, allowing you to be more compassionate, patient, and grounded. God’s quietness is an invitation to grow closer to Him. By stepping back from the constant stream of information and spending time in His presence, we align our hearts with His will. Make “quiet time” a priority, observing how this impacts their relationships, peace, and spiritual growth.
A QUIET 
HEART: A Quiet Heart Will Experience:
Spiritual Renewal ~ Spiritual quietness facilitates awareness of God’s presence and power, renewing the soul. Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”(ESV)
Trust and Rest in God ~ Quietness represents a reliance on God’s strength rather than our own efforts, reflecting trust in His sovereignty. Isaiah 30:15 “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.” (ESV)
Peace of Mind ~ A quiet spirit results in peace that arises from confidence in God’s faithfulness. Philippians 4:7. “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
Strength through Silence ~ Quietness can also be expressed through restraint and wisdom, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit in self-control. Proverbs 17:28. “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (ESV)
Deep within our souls is a thirst for God. Even as we experience
His presence, we will continue to crave more until
finally, we are able to be with Him.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your authoritative and inspired Word that provides us with clear instructions on how we can step away from distractions and the busyness of life, to still ourselves in Your presence to obtain wisdom, and to hear Your gentle whispers in our lives. Help us to understand the importance and richness of time spent with You Father in the quietness of Your love, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.
REFERENCES: Logos Bible Software, Life Application Study Articles