Perhaps, We Should Just Be Quiet!

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. I Peter 3:34 KJV

An admonition for everyone–not just the women to whom Peter was addressing.

It seems that the more is said about a debilitating situation, the more needs to be said. Here’s the thing–God knows all about it and we really don’t have to say anything other than, “Thank You, Lord for loving us and always concerned about what is best for all of Your Children.”

So, I’m late getting this out this morning, because I had to think about being quiet about matters that concern me, but that I have no control over, whatsoever. God does. I’m giving it all to Him. He will take care of it–maybe not the way I want to see happen, but it will be according to His Will, not mine.

I’m not accountable for what others do–just what I do. That’s how God judges us!

 

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Blessed Quietness!

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. Ecclesiastes 9:17,18 NIV

We are told in other places in scripture that it is the fool or the foolish who think for their much speaking someone will be deceived into thinking they are wise. Actually, what we hear in the quietness is more precious than the noise of one who simply loves the hear the sound of their voice.

In the quiet, we can hear Holy Spirit speak and when He speaks to us, we know it is wisdom from on high. This does not mean that we cannot hear Him in the midst of a storm of foolishness, but within our spirits, we can obtain the quietness of His assurance and what a blessing that is!

Often in the midst of debating or disagreement with others, we have to allow our spirits to quiet down and hear what Holy Spirit is saying so we won’t dishonor God with our actions or words. I am so glad He loves me enough to cause me to listen and hear and then obey.

For it is not enough to just hear–we hear noise all the time, some we recognize and others we may not. But if we listen–focusing on the voice who is speaking to us from within, we hear and once we hear, we should obey. The blessing that comes with obedience is priceless, but the consequence of ignoring Him, is paid with a price that many cannot pay.  There is an adage that many are familiar with in certain circles and it goes like this: “Don’t let your mouth write a check your behind can’t cash.” In other words, we should exercise caution in speaking about things we cannot back up or handle if they fall apart.

Unfortunately, there are many people–Believers and non-believers–who tend to think that if they talk louder and are more abrasive than those to whom they are speaking, they are making an impression of their greatness. They are making an impression–but it’s not of greatness, but foolishness. Any time a person feels the need to raise the decibel level of their voice above normal speaking tones in talking to either one person or a small group of people, they are making a fool of themselves. Getting loud and obnoxious is not a virtue, it is an attribute of insecurity and the more agitated they get, they louder they get and everyone can see them for who they really are.

There is another passage of scripture that says, “even a fool–when he is quiet–is esteemed wise.” Abraham Lincoln put that same intent–more bluntly. “It’s better to be quiet and thought a fool, than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” The blessing of quietness!

We have probably all known at least one person (maybe many) who has to be the center of attention–no matter what the discussion is–because they love the sound of their voice. And in their deluded minds, they feel they are wiser than any other and will not concede when they are wrong, but will continue to make a fool of themselves with their much talking. 

Jesus warns us about those when praying–who think because of their much talking–the long-winded prayers, they will be heard. Those who pray in this manner have never read–with understanding–that it is not how long we pray or how loud we pray that gets results, but it is –our faith to receive–what we ask for that moves God.

So a word to the wise and to the foolish–there is nothing in the noise but chaos and confusion, but in the quiet–there is a great blessing–the opportunity to hear Holy Spirit and obey.

Quiet Wisdom!

“The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 9:17 NIV)

How loud do we speak to be heard?

How much do we hear when it’s quiet?

How loud is the noise of war?

How quiet is the sound of peace?

How powerful is the sound of loud?

How effective is the sound of silence?

Who pays more attention to the loud?

Who actually hears the voice of the quiet?

The media is loud and persistent,

Noisily proclaiming all that is wrong,

Repetitively insisting that we hear,

The power of hate and sin alike,

Venomously, noise spews from their mikes,

Garnering attention of young and old,

Allowing promotion of all that’s bold,

Causing many to creep backwards into a past,

Proven wrong and certainly won’t last.

Colors blast and blind those willing to look,

Changing meanings of The Word as if it’s just a book,

Loudly proclaiming right is wrong and wrong is right,

Doing what pleases flesh, forgetting they’re in God’s sight,

And when He whispers wisdom into an ear,

Not many, in quietness are willing to hear,

For the noise of the foolish has effectively blocked,

And the enemy’s influenced, heard and locked,

Into the minds of those who are weak, not strong,

Following those who are just loud and wrong.

But that is not the end of the story,

There are still some who work to God’s glory,

And when He speaks in the quiet of the night,

They will do all they can to do what is right.

Wisdom–the quiet, soothing, comfort we need,

When we listen to it, we won’t hear the enemy’s pleas,

To turn left when we should turn right,

Living in the light of day, not the dark of night,

Doing all things to please Him who gives,

Power, direction, through the One who lives,

Within and will only tell us what He hears from above,

Wrapped in His wisdom, embracing us with love.

God’s wisdom is heard in the silent moments,

We use to study His Word and open our hearts to hear,

All He has to say, directing our steps every day,

Never loud and obnoxious as fools tend to be,

He knows who we are, when we listen and is waiting for us to see,

Him in all His majesty, and glory, ready and willing to obey.

Shutting out the loud, the noisy, the hate and sin,

Hearing only wisdom, seeking a victorious win

Daily, poised, positioned, never giving up the fight,

Listening for the wisdom we know, directing us right,

To The throne, for all eternity, watching Wisdom,

Quietly reigning, for the world to see those who are His,

Receive their rewards for faithfulness, diligence and loyalty.

Speak to our hearts, Lord that we might hear a word of wisdom today in the quiet of the moment, while we’re not distracted by the noises of the world, vying for our attention, keeping us distracted in the midst of the storm, hoping we won’t hear You, and share You with others. Speak Lord, Your servants will hear and not follow another.