During my quiet time this morning, I was confronted with the need for stillness. I want to hear the voice of the Lord as I seek Him, but this requires that I be still, step away from busyness, and set aside distractions. The Scripture passage that inspired me was Ezekiel 1:24-25:
“When [the living creatures descending from before the throne] flew, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a tumult like the noise of an army; and when they stood still, they let down their wings. “A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings.”
When He spoke, they created a silence before Him
Consider: When the Spirit of God spoke from the throne, the living creatures let down their wings — the wings that created the sound of many waters. A tumult. Noise like chaos. But when He spoke, they lowered their wings, creating a silence before Him.
Creating a chaotic tumult gives way to creating a silence before Him.
About that time, a hummingbird darted past me on his way to the feeder brimming with sweet nectar. He sounded like a miniature stealth bomber or maybe … I reconsidered … he sounded like many waters, a tiny tumult.
I sat mesmerized, observing his movements. By now, others had joined in the feast, hovering, hastening, rushing to the nectar. When it came time to drink, they paused, then lowered their wings — stopped the frenzy — bowed, and took of the life-giving sustenance freely given to them.
I thought of how often I hurry about stirring up quite a frenzy. It feels like I’ve got my hand in every pot, carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, some days murmuring and complaining, making such a tumult of noise …
… and all the while wondering why the Lord isn’t giving me the peace He promised!
Not that I could hear Him over all the ruckus.
We Must Learn the Power and Beauty of Stillness
I wonder if the living creatures described in Ezekiel were actually following the exhortation in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and remember that I am God,” as they recognized His presence and ceased their activity so they could hear Him.
I wonder.
For it is in the stillness that a holy hush is activated, our busy, restless selves are quieted by His love, our ears open to hear His voice, and our hearts awaken to the peace He has given.
It is in the stillness that our spirits realign with the One True God, and we remember that He is Lord of all.
We remember that by His hands we are fed.
We remember He holds the whole world in His hands, and He knows when the sparrow falls, so how much more does He care for you and me?
We remember.
And in the remembrance, our spirits bow before Him and drink from His Living Water flowing from beneath His throne. We are strengthened. We are encouraged.
We are sustained.
And we hear His voice saying, “Child, you are Mine. Be of good courage.”
Selah
******************************************************
Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
