Quietude as Worship

photo credit: MightyBoyBrian via photopin cc

photo credit: MightyBoyBrian via photopin cc

“O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.” ~ Psalm 131:1

 Here we are, approaching fast the end of another year. The days that spread out from September through December are like scattered stones thrown out numerous, until the crisp air beckons scarves for our necks, and the falling leaves remind us that another year is almost past. The pace of our routines and return to order, after Summer,  make way for new beginnings and sometimes endings. Between the school, sports and activities schedules we find ourselves carried through noisy, boisterous, busy days, and these too are gifts. But, November begs us to give pause; gives us permission to prioritize the precious. Not that we shouldn’t daily, but there are days that press us tight and we forget. Between runny noses, crowded mini-vans, and orchard runs, we fall into beds, blessed but yearning.

Lest we forget, He gives us rest. 

Let us remember with thanksgiving this precious rest we enter into daily…whether we take hold of it in reality or as only a place within our hearts that acknowledges Him. As we do, will He not pour out His peace? For this is worship.

Miriam-Webster online dictionary defines Quietude as the state of being quiet or calm.

But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me. ~Psalm 131:2

 A contented child is a sight that is precious to behold, especially for the parent! Is not God pleased when we are content with Him? Is this not our heart’s true desire in the busy days that stretch us, to fall into bed at the end of the day, trusting him for tomorrow, and next year? To let the head hit the pillow, and only stillness swirl through the mind,  instead of worries, as the day is recounted. To rest. It is the trust that brings contentment and battles the swirling worries that crowd the mind in the night watches. It is possible. He makes it so.

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” ~John 14:1

Quietness is a warm, welcome blanket when we trust in the One who is trustworthy, who brings rest today, and tomorrow. He is trustworthy always. Let us bow down and bring Him the fruit of our repentant hearts, and minds bent towards gratitude, hope, faith and trust. Let us not crowd out the quietness, at the end of the day, when instead we can offer Him thanks. Let us fix our eyes, on the Author and Finisher of our Faith: Jesus. To Him be glory and power forever. Amen.

 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. ~Hebrews 4:14-16

4 Responses to Quietude as Worship
  1. Mary Sayler
    November 24, 2014 | 3:38 pm

    Dawn, other communicators for Christ will most likely welcome this word, too, so I’ll highlight your post on the Christian Poets and Writers blog – http://christianpoetsandwriters.blogspot.com. May God bless our rest and productivity in Jesus’ Name!

  2. Susie Klein
    November 24, 2014 | 8:49 pm

    Thank you for this Dawn! Hits the spot….as usual!

    • Anne Peterson
      November 25, 2014 | 8:12 am

      Beautiful post Dawn. It draws you in to the quietness that is required to enjoy all that is coming amidst the bustle. To be quiet enough to experience Him.

  3. Susan Stilwell
    November 25, 2014 | 11:20 am

    Beautiful, Dawn. I just wrote my last lesson (teaching through Hebrews) and your post brought to mind chapter 10 and the confidence we have in Him.
    Blessings to you this Thanksgiving!