Peace…Be Still
Silence speaks louder than words and it is a powerful statement. Not every action requires a reaction; not every thought should be expressed. There is a quiet strength in not responding to the enemy’s provocations. In the Bible, we are told to guard our spiritual energy. It is precious.
An incredible sense of peace unfolds in silence. No longer do we feel as if we have to “hold it all together”. We release the burden into God’s hands. He is much more capable than mere man. We are told:
Philippians 4:7 KJV
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
A restful calm settles your soul when you choose to be still in the midst of chaos. As you relinquish the need for control over circumstance you recognize God’s sovereignty and honor him.
The practice of remaining silent also hones a very important skill in the life of a believer – the art of active listening. One learns more about a person, or situation by listening, than by speaking. As we choose to follow this truth, our discernment is sharpened.
When The Lord tells us to be still, it is a message of reassurement, not control. He will fight our battles as we rely upon his strength and not our own emotional responses.
Mark 4:38-40 KJV
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Our pastor is teaching James 1, and last week’s sermon was about listening and bridling your tongue. Every day I pray for God for the wisdom to “quell my pride and quiet my tongue so that I may walk gently and serve others with love.”
I can do this only by the power of the Holy Spirit because I most certainly cannot do it on my own.
Today’s sermon was about how we define religion. Jesus brings up the importance of controlling your words yet again:
“If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
James 1:26-27