The Pastor’s Blog – QUIETNESS AND TRUST
I just had enough! The phone never stopped ringing all morning, I was unable to do any work for Sunday and I was grumpy! Have you ever had a day like that? My guess is you have had many!
Sometimes the demands of life can be overwhelming. Someone promised that with COVID everything would slow down and we would have more quiet time and less busyness. They lied. I have never been busier. Online meetings and services and connecting with people one at a time rather than in groups is quite demanding. Add to that the challenge of planning a major renovation at the church building and some essential repairs, there seems to be little free time.
Families with children know the feeling of being pulled in many directions at once, especially if there are sporting events to attend, or piano, dance or vocal lessons to attend, or maybe a martial arts class. Parents can get stretched pretty thin (maybe the children as well).
If this does not sound like your world at all, and you are bored and looking for something to do, well, I envy you. Enjoy the peace.
For those who feel like the wheels are always turning and you are getting tired, let me share a secret from God’s Word:
15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it. (Isaiah 30:15 NIV)
It starts with repentance, which means we confess we are doing more than we should and likely missing God’s direction for us. Then rest in God. He has everything under control. If we sit back and do nothing, the world will not fall apart. Then it challenges us to be quiet, stop the noise in our heads and lives. Maybe find a nice quiet spot overlooking a lake and just be quiet. Then trust that God will help you no matter what you face. Sadly, all too often this offer from God is ignored and rejected, as our text shows. Take a deep breath and choose God’s way.
– Pastor Gary