Better is Quietness

“Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:6

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” Proverbs 15:16

“Thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’” Isaiah 30:15

“Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Solomon, having carried God-given wisdom through years of political rule, inquisitive discovery, alliances and toil, understood the value of being still and quiet. His restless runaway heart had indeed brought sin and trouble, yet perspective taught how good was the antidote. He understood the wisdom of slowing down, turning off, being still, guarding margin, and keeping quiet. (1 Kings 3:10-13; 4:21,29-34; 8:22-23,27; 11:1-2

Every day parades a myriad of choices and voices. Notifications click and call, responsibilities tug and nag, belongings pester for maintenance, messages vie for concentration, priority, and input. The clamor of life makes for anything but quiet hours. But what if we put off the noise and instead determined times to keep quiet? To meditate on the Lord, get away alone, walk and pray, or listen to cheery bird chatter or the wind fingering leaves?

Is it my habit to get riled up in spirit and never silence my soul? What social frenzy, busyness, or incessant sense of urgency need I surrender to the Lord? Where have I jumped into a predicament or conversation and made mayhem by interjecting words better held back? Am I given to bragging, asserting rights, complaining, or gossiping? In what areas would it benefit others, God’s honor, and me to silence my lips? Is it my practice to do all the talking when I approach the Lord on His throne? What awe, wonder, humility, and new insight into His majesty am I missing by not hushing? (Psalms 23:2; 131:1-2; 141:3; Ecclesiastes 5:1; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Luke 9:28-35; 1 Peter 3:4)

How much better private worship, relationships, and personal well-being would be if we learned to keep quiet. If we ask, the Lord will identify devices, responsibilities, habits, and worries to be silenced with His help. If we are willing, He will effect change.

“Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
as thy beauty fills my soul,
for by thy transforming power,
thou hast made me whole.

O how great thy lovingkindness,
vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvelous thy goodness
lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved,
know what wealth of grace is thine,
know thy certainty of promise
and have made it mine.

Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold thee as thou art,
and thy love, so pure, so changeless,
satisfies my heart;
satisfies its deepest longings,
meets, supplies its ev’ry need,
compasseth me round with blessings:
thine is love indeed.” ~Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)

Father, develop in me a quiet spirit that adores You, reflects Your peace to all around, and lifts You high.