Quietness is hard to find. With the constant stream of information and music on the internet, the busyness of our lives, and impatience in our souls, quietness escapes us.
The fast pace of life leaves us exhausted at the end of the day. We are emotionally worn out with little energy left for our important relationships. As a result, we become more irritable and grouchy instead of loving and kind.
Our relationship with God also suffers. We cannot focus because of all the distractions around us. The hurried soul jumps from one activity to another, trying to hang on to hope. Our prayers fall flat.
Jesus showed us the importance of quietness in the midst of busyness. Crowds came to hear Him for his healing touch. But He didn’t neglect the importance of quietness with God.
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15-16 NIV
Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. Mark 6:45-46 NIV
Jesus knew his strength came from His relationship with the Father.
We can learn from Jesus the importance of finding solitude and prayer.
Draw near to God in quietness to gain a new perspective.
- Relax your mind. Intentionally put aside any anxious thoughts. It helps to write down the things I need to do, knowing I will come back to the list and won’t forget what needs done. My mind is calmer when I remove the clutter. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
- Refocus on God’s love for you. Even when I have a bad day, the Lord brings to mind His words of love. I have to choose to believe Him and not listen to the discouraging lies from the enemy. His love reassures me. “I have love you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” Jeremiah 31:3 NIV
- Pray. Jesus kept an open line of communication with God the Father. Prayer is the love language of our relationship with God. It is vital for us as we abide, or remain, in Him. “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” Luke 6:12 NIV
- Release worries and burdens to the Lord. Realize that God is sovereign and knows your situation. Once you relinquish the problem, leave it at the throne of grace. Don’t pick it up again. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
- Rest in God’s presence restores hope. The pace of life wears us down, eliminating any time to slow down.
Jesus’ words are both comforting and convicting; comforting because the Savior calls to quietness and convicting because we are yoked to our burdens.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30 NIV
Will you take a few moments to calm your mind in quietness?
If necessary, go outside for some fresh air. Step away from the pressures for just a minute to gain a better perspective. Breathe deeply. Offer a prayer of thanks for the blessings in your life.
Draw near to God with quietness.
