Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, NIV*
These verses have held my attention for the past few days, especially the ‘quiet life’ part. As Joanna Weaver says in Having a Mary Spirit, “In the natural, the quiet gene has little chance of swimming in my pool.” (p. 138)
But I don’t think this ‘quiet’ means ‘silent’ so much as ‘at peace, not striving’. At least that’s how the Holy Spirit is using this verse in my life. (It may also have something to do with toning down the general level of silliness, for the sake of my family members, but that’s another story.)
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Yes, God can get our attention dramatically if need be, but that seems more like Divine intervention than ongoing personal relationship. Scripture repeatedly calls us to be still, to abide with God, to shelter in His presence.
When life, even just our inner thought life, is crazy-busy, we can’t hear Him unless He shouts. When we rattle off prayer requests at machine-gun speed, same problem.
Father, please quiet my spirit to know that You are God and that You are here. Help me live in quiet trust in You, for my own sake and so that the people around me will see how You make a difference. Thank You for your mercies, new every morning.
∞
Rich Mullins left a legacy of some powerful songs. “Hold Me, Jesus,” quiets my spirit—may it bless you today.
*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Janet,
I like that part of being still…which speaks to deeply to me. Of late, I have found joy and peace in this stillness. God wants me to WAIT awhile ..in silent confidence until HE commands me to go. Yet…as I go about doing my everyday duties, my heart has remained steadfast in Him. In the end, I find it easy to lean on Him more than ever.
Having a Mary Spirit sounds like a good read!
God bless you and grant you peace.
Gladwell
Gladwell, I think this quiet confidence and peace is how He intends for us to live–we just keep getting distracted. I’m glad you’re finding joy and peace in the stillness–and encouraging others to do the same.
Violet Nesdoly’s poem, The Martha in Me, articulates the contrast between the bustling and the stillness.