QUIETNESS

For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in QUIETNESS and confidence shall be your strength – Isaiah 30:15

God wants us to live lives of QUIETNESS, not of stressfulness! He is always speaking, but we must observe stillness of soul and QUIETNESS of mind in order to hear Him. His voice is steady and unwavering, but we must be quiet to hear it. Too often, we succumb to the crackling, grace-robbing intensity of the noise around and within us. By God’s wisdom, we can enjoy ordained quiet times and places of rest in the midst of hectic schedules. Indeed, only in Christ will we ever find true rest for our souls: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt.11:28-29). Although not everyone responds to God’s promise of rest, to those who have returned to God through the death of Christ on the cross for their sins, He says: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isa.30:15).

Prior to the days of cable or satellite television, it was common to use antennae to control the TV signals. These are metal, V-shaped tools that, when positioned just so, may or may not allow you to receive a few channels on your TV. One would adjust the ears and, when the desired channel appeared with as much clarity as could be achieved, you gingerly let go of the antenna only to have the background sound – ‘static’ – return with frustrating obscurity, making you strain to hear.

Satan uses the static of complaints, murmuring, negative self-talk, doubt, spousal misunderstandings, societal pressures, social media, and busyness, to cause us to strain to hear truth. If we are not vigilant, watchful and prayerful, the background noises in our hearts and minds will make it difficult to hear God’s voice, especially since He often speaks in the “still small voice” (1Kgs.19:12). If we allow the static to persist, we just might give up and tune in to another channel.

Generations of human beings have been tormented by satanic interruptions. Eve experienced static in the Garden of Eden. The serpent cunningly concealed and distorted truth as he asked, “Has God indeed said…?” (Gen.3:1). Her son, Cain also succumbed to static. Then, when God naturally rejected his offering, the static grew louder, culminating in Cain killing his brother out of jealousy and anger, and losing the communion with his Creator. Job was incessantly tormented by the static of his chattering friends and nagging wife, adding more grief to his already sorrowful soul. They made it hard for him to trust his God, but for the mercy of God that enabled him to sail through the storms of suffering. King Saul was paralyzed by the static of fear, jealousy, and paranoia, ultimately leading to the rejection of His Creator, and his dethroning and death.

Even Jesus encountered Satan’s interruptions. In the wilderness, Satan tried to twist and distort truth in Christ’s mind. Being hungry, tired, and thirsty, He was tested. Satan sent his noise: “Hey, you’re really hungry. If you’re truly God’s Son, turn these stones into bread. You and I both know you can. Come on now! Let me see you jump off this temple. I want to see the angels come and catch you. You and I both know they will. Look, I know you’re tired. Why is your Father testing you this way? Why not just worship me and I’ll make you king over all you see. You and I both know that will be better.”

Christ answered Satan by invoking God’s Word. Ultimately, Jesus defeated Satan with the inspired authority of God’s Words. For us who believe, Scriptures will always overcome Satan’s background noises. “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" (vv. 17-18 NIV). May quietness, peace, and rest be our portions!