With all the news, social media and constant barrage of information that we are faced with on a daily basis we can easily get caught up in conversations, opinions and even fights that God never intended for us to be involved in. We can even feel like we need to take into our own hands every injustice and wrong doing that exists so that we can make it all right.
There is definite merit and need for us to speak up, to pray, and to be actively involved in making a positive difference in our communities. But there is also real power in finding the balance of being able to live at peace, free from strife in both our hearts and minds. To make living a quiet life our ambition.
God encourages us to aspire to lead such a quiet life and to seek to be at peace with others.
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need”. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
So, here are a few benefits to living a quiet life and to live at peace.
1. A quiet life focuses us on the people in front of us.
When we’re living agitated and strife driven lives our attention is spread across the masses. However God does place us in smaller communities and to have close connections for a reason.
A quiet life sees the need to love the people around us, not just the crowds. We learn how to be faithful, patience and loving in the personal interactions we have with others.
2. A quiet life prevents burnout.
When life is moving fast, we expend our energy faster. We can then become exhausted from all our doing. The world’s push to DO,DO,DO is dangerous and makes burnout far too common.
The quieter approach to life acknowledges limits. We move slower and measure our resources and energy wisely. We give what we can, but we also can consistently continue to give and be involved without the risk of burnout
Look at the minimum you can consistently do and then build your capacity, rather than taking on too much and burning out.
3. A quiet life gives you time to learn.
By being patient and quiet we give ourselves time to learn without the pressure and attention of making big “out there” statements. We learn before setting out. This does not mean we are immune from the possibility of failure, it just ensures that we have the right tools to best succeed.
A quiet life helps us move in God’s rhythm. It’s a lot like the ocean or nature’s seasons – it ebbs and flows. God rhythm doesn’t move in our rushed pace that tries to control everything. It involves listening and trusting in God’s leading.
Quietness and stillness does not mean God is absent. Often it’s in the quiet spaces that we find God the most, and where He reveals His work in us. The secret is to learn to be quiet enough to let Him work on our lives, in whatever way He pleases.
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godless and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior”. (1 Timothy 2:2)
Prayer: Lord please help me to see the value in quietness and how to live life in your rhythm, free from the strife or the constant busy pace of the world. Please help me to find strength and meaning in the quiet spaces with you and to learn to live at peace. In Jesus Name Amen.
Comentários