Study to be quiet

The Power of Quiet: Finding Strength in Stillness

1 Thessalonians 4:11 KJV 1900

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

One of the greatest benefits of a believer is learning the value of quietness. In this undisciplined world it seems one of the hardest things is to be quiet before the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 NIV

and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,

This theme emphasizes the importance and value of quietness in a noisy world, exploring how being still can lead to deeper spiritual growth and understanding.

One of our biggest obstacles to spiritual growth is we are not studying to be quiet for the Lord. One of the root causes of mental illness is, our minds are worn out. They are always running. We end up thinking irrationally because our minds haven’t rested in Him.

We don’t hear from God as we should because we are never quiet before Him.

Matthew 11:15 ESV

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

This would also involve putting ourselves in a posture where we can hear from Him. This phrase urges listeners to actively engage with and understand the teachings being delivered. It’s a call to pay attention, not just to listen passively, but to truly comprehend and internalize the message.

But how can we do this when our minds are preoccupied with everything else. Jesus warns about the thorny ground in the Parable of the sower. I fear that much of our hearing of Gods word is swallowed and choked up in the thorny ground.

Mark 4:18–19 ESV

And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

In our busy lives, many people struggle to find moments of peace. As believers we need to embrace quietness as a means to connect with God, allowing for reflection and prayer. Quiet times are the foundation of the christian life.

I believe our time and not money is our biggest idol. We don’t want to give up our time.

These verses teach usthat quietness is not a sign of weakness, but rather a position of strength, enabling us to hear God's voice and discern His will in our lives amidst the chaos of daily life.

Isaiah 30:15 ESV

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling.

Isaiah 40:27–31 NKJV

Why do you say, O Jacob,And speak, O Israel:“My way is hidden from the Lord,And my just claim is passed over by my God”?Have you not known?Have you not heard?The everlasting God, the Lord,The Creator of the ends of the earth,Neither faints nor is weary.His understanding is unsearchable.He gives power to the weak,And to those who have no might He increases strength.Even the youths shall faint and be weary,And the young men shall utterly fall,But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength;They shall mount up with wings like eagles,They shall run and not be weary,They shall walk and not faint.

You need your time of rest, wearing yourself out wont do you or anyone else any good. It’s essential you are working from a place of quiet strength.

True strength is found in moments of quietness which allow for spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with God.

Are you stressed and filled with anxiety about this worlds affairs?

Psalm 46:10 ESV

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Mark 1:35 ESV

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

We see Jesus' example of retreating to quiet places for prayer. Jesus prioritized solitude with God for decision-making and inner strength, teaching us that we too need quiet times for guidance and spiritual vitality.