The Art Of Peace And Quiet

Picture by Caprice Miller

 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”  – Psalm 4:8

 

Poor baby horse is tired!  I’m sure many of us can relate.  There are times when I seem to be on the go for so long and then I hit the preverbal wall and just need rest.  But those “go, go, go” seasons of life don’t allow much time for rest.  Even “hitting the wall” doesn’t always provide the true rest we need.  Our bodies may be still, but our minds are constantly spinning with what may be next on the agenda.  Even if there isn’t a “next” we keep thinking about what is supposed to be next that was left off the list. 

The culture we live in today has a hard time turning off and not thinking of “the list”.  With technology at our fingertips we don’t have to turn off.  The world and our lists are always there to keep us company.  The art of peace and quiet seems to be on its way to extinction.  There are many who are even disturbed by silence.  To them it is really a deafening “sound”.    Perhaps it is a fear of being alone or having to think about the thoughts that might occur in our minds during the silence or perhaps it’s the unusual sounds that are naturally heard in silence.  Whatever it is, there is a lack of peacefulness like the horse in the picture seems to be experiencing.  Perhaps it sleeps so well because its mother is watching over it.  Maybe that’s the key.  Do we trust God enough to leave the list in His hands?

The Psalm above is one that King David wrote while he was distressed about turmoil going on around him.    David knew he had to keep a watch over his shoulder constantly because he never knew who might try to stab him in the back – literally and figuratively.  So to declare that he could find peace in the Lord so he could lie down and sleep was huge.  Do we trust Him enough to lie down and sleep in peace? 

I’ve noticed that when I don’t trust my list and issues to God, I really have a difficult time resting.  I even dream about the list and issues I just won’t give to Him.  When I wake up, I realize I’ve been thinking of them all night and my rest was anything but peaceful.  I know that my rest is important and without it, my mind is not focused where it needs to be.  My creativity is non-existent.  My attitude is less than stellar.  Basically, I begin to just exist from day-to-day rather than live the life God intended for me.  Wow, who knew peace and quiet could be so important?   In another Psalm we are reminded of another reason it’s important:

“Be still, and know that I am God!  I will be honored by every nation.   I will be honored throughout the world.” – Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

Think about it.  If we don’t trust God enough to give Him our list and issues, there could very well be a lack of peace that prevents us from being still so we can know God and find rest.  By being still we are able sense God’s voice in our hearts.  As we recognize His voice we begin to trust Him more and more. As we trust Him, we honor Him in our lives.  As others see this happening in our lives, they just might be inspired and influenced to do the same.  Before you know it, a giant ripple effect will have occurred.  We will witness God being honored in every nation and throughout the world.  And just think, it could all start with us.  Do you need a peaceful sleep tonight?  Go ahead, trust Him and enjoy the peace and quiet of being still.