The alarm clock rudely barges into my sleep. The five beeps of the coffeemaker are a mixed blessing. The garbage man seals the deal—I’m awake. My day, with all its noise, begins.
Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing. How quiet do I need to be to hear? I soon find out. The tall ponderosas surrounding our deck beckon. I gather my Bible, journals, and coffee and head for my quiet haven.
God speaks with a quiet whisper. Am I hearing His voice? Or do the noises of life rob my attention? I want to hear.
I’m learning:
- Quietness is a need; God hardwired me for quiet.
- Quietness is an art; it blossoms with practice.
- Quietness is a skill; it is a habit to be developed.
- Quietness is a gift; I must unwrap it to enjoy.
Zephaniah 3:17 tells me that the Lord quiets me with His love. Oh, how I desire God to showcase His love to me. Quietness enables His love to be manifest.
So I sit, I ponder His words, I pray. Sometimes I read a favorite author, all the while listening for God. Restlessness transforms into rest—a rest so energizing I want to shout it from the rooftop—but then I would interrupt the quiet of my neighbors.
“The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever” (Isaiah 32:17).