The Power of a Little Quiet

“Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him.” - Psalm 37:7

What do you do in times of uncertainty?  How do we lead when anxious people look to us for stability and a road map when we don’t have one? 

Times of uncertainty are certainly not new but when they come, we are called upon to act in such a way that provides help and hope for those depending on us. To do that, however, we have to get our inside world put right.  

For me, what has helped me get my inside world right is Psalm 37:7 and the promise found within. 

Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him.

These words are an anchor in the storm.  A beacon in the fog.  A rock amidst shifting sand. A place to lay down our weary lives.  

We quiet down before God not just as an escape from our duty but as a place to go in order to fulfill our duty. I (not unlike many of you) have had to deal with canceled events, lost opportunity, financial loss, health concerns, and been wondering what do I focus on now? 

As I have walked a little more and quieted down before God in prayerfulness a little more intentionally, I have been able to see enough to take the next steps.  

We are not alone

Nehemiah saw the devastation of Jerusalem and responded by riding around the city at night in quietness before God. Prayerful and with curious wonder. 

Daniel, under pressure to conform to the culture, refused to stop his practice of being quiet before God with prayerful reflection.  

Jesus, during his most most intense time that lead up to the cross, went into the garden where he quieted himself down before God and was prayerful before his Father.  

Paul and Silas after some serious persecution found themselves in prison yet quieted down and had a hymn sing and found God meet them in a powerful way. 

What happens when we quiet down before God and are prayerful before him?  

• We see who God is.
• We feel God’s reassuring presence.
• We hear what God wants us to do next. 
• We breathe a little easier because we know the solution is not all up to us. 
• We speak words of reassurance and wisdom instead of panic.
• We walk forward knowing we’re not alone but have the Spirit walking with us. 

What about you? 

You may be in a time of transition personally which feels even worse because of the current health crisis. You may be leading a congregation or movement and feel the need for the right words to give people.  

You may be offering counsel and a listening ear to individuals who are afraid and dealing with heightened levels of stress. You may be facing financial pressure for yourself or your ministry. You may be dealing with vulnerable people who are worried about their own risk of getting sick. 

Regardless of your exact situation, may you make extra time to let these words sink deep into your soul and experience. Go for a walk right now. Memorize Psalm 37:7. Write the words on your dashboard, on your mirror, in your journal, post them on your wall. 

As you do, may you experience God’s reassuring presence and guidance for today and days ahead.