Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 124 - Solace in Silence
Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast
Episode #124 – Solace in Silence
Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together as we live with purposed eternal perspective.
Do you know someone who commands attention when they speak? When my husband says something, people know he isn’t one to speak mindless words, so those around him heed what they hear. For one like me who likes to talk and enjoy conversations, I need to remember to be more like this at times. God’s word says much about hearing before speaking and using wisdom to guide our words.
Ecclesiastes 9:17 says, “The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.”
Ecclesiastes 3:7 says, “A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.”
Proverbs 21:23 says, “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
Most everyone will listen to the news, stories of friends or family, podcasts, the radio, teachers, shows, movies, co-workers, a boss, or a pastor. We value what others have to say, but do we place biblical truths at the top of the list of what goes into our minds? Think about this fact: “you become whatever you think on.” What we ponder does more to affect our actions than good intentions. I believe listening for what the Lord has to say and for us to discover are important qualities to develop. We cannot listen when we are too busy speaking – or doing.
Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
In order to renew our mind and train it to be more Christ, we must intentionally desire the outcome of Christlikeness. We can’t reflect what we don’t know. In this case, we cannot reflect the One we do not know.
How can we become more like Jesus? How do we renew and transform our mind? How do we test and approve what God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will is? First, we must ingest God’s word. As we recognize Him, we allow Him to renew our mind, despite this fast-paced, distracting world tugging at us.
Psalm 46:10 says, “He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Did you catch the quiet command within the verse? Be still and know. We must seek silence. In the quietness, our mind can be trained with new thoughts and desires. This time of stillness can be the beginning of seeing, studying, and showing Jesus. If you already have a strong relationship with Christ, you will strengthen serenity through Him. True peace only comes from God and cannot be found apart from Him.
Nothing we seek or do is more important than maturing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Just as we must spend time with those we love on earth in order to develop relationships and draw closer to each other, we must purpose our time with our Heavenly Father, getting to know Him, speaking to Him, and listening to Him, or we will miss out on the greatest relationship of our life (and of our eternity). The way to God is through Jesus. John 14:6-7 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”
We must learn to be comfortable in solace with the Son.
Matthew 14:23a says, “After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray.”
Mark 1:35 says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”
As we read how Jesus personally, privately sought God, making time to be with His Heavenly Father, we must remember He was also showing us the way to find Him.
As we seek to deepen our worship, mature and demonstrate our faith, and focus our mind and heart on Christ, we will find the Father. Let’s look at 7 basic steps we can take to find solace in silence and worship our Father:
1. Read and Study the Bible - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” When we know God’s word, we can recognize false preachers or teachings that go against God’s will for us.
2. Pray – Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer is the lifeline to God. People ask what we can do for others, what we can do to help ourselves. God has supplied us with a holy tool for developing a stronger trust in Him and maturing relationship with Him. Just as Mary sat at the feet of Jesus in humble adoration, we can sit at the feet of our Savior and know Him intimately through prayer as we share with Him, ask for His wisdom and discernment, and listen for His still, small, mighty voice.
3. Reflect – James 1:22-25 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” Silence allows us time for reflection. How can we grow in the Lord if we do not make time to ingest what we read and savor the goodness of our personal time with Him?
4. Journal Scripture – Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Journaling God’s words is a beautiful way to help us focus on and remember the teachings of our Heavenly Father. Sometimes our brains and hearts need a new or alternate way to take in the truths and commandments God generously shares with us.
5. Memorize Scripture – Proverbs 3:1-2 says, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.” When trials wash over your life or adversity stings your days, confidence may be found in the words stored in your heart and mind. God is a very present help in times of need. Only He has the ability to reach you exactly where and when you need it. His timeless truths are applicable to each one of us.
6. Share - Psalm 96:3 says, “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” Sharing testimony of what God has done in your life, as well as the truth of the gospel will touch lives of others in ways we cannot comprehend. Fearlessly allow God to work through you unhindered and His words will reach the ears of those in need.
7. Rest – Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” God graciously allows us rest. Although we live in fallen world of sin, He calls for us to come to Him and allow Him to take our burdens. He is able to hold and handle whatever we give to Him. His invitation is for each of us, in whatever condition we come to Him in. Jesus allows us rest in the highest form, because it is rejuvenation and refreshment for our souls.
Dear Heavenly Father, only You carry wisdom. We are in such desperate need of Your truths and wisdom! Father, pierce us with your knowledge, wisdom, discernment, and understanding. Help us see our futile attempts to be our own gods and allow You to carry us with strength that comes only from You. Help us to hold our tongue when needed and speak when You desire. May we allow You to stop unwholesome talk from exiting our lips. May it never enter our brain. Help us to build others up, especially Your children. May our words benefit their walk with You for eternity. May we listen to advice from others who uprightly follow You and may we recognize those who are not and allow them no say over our life. Lord, we live with many plans, but cause us to stop and reflect on You and allow Your holy rest and rejuvenation for our soul. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
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I also want to ask if you have you listened to my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” yet? I hope you will listen to this new podcast, especially if you are raising children or influencing grandchildren. Please follow and share both of my podcasts with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and be a parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose.
Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture.
I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.