Be Still. Be Quiet.
A Charles R. Swindoll Sermon Summary
We aren’t built for speed or racing. Constantly staying in motion, going non-stop, will ruin us. We will forget what life is about.
Some of us are constantly interrupted by messages and external stimuli. Such persistent noise denies us the silence and solitude we need, crowding our lives and robbing us of any intimate time with loved ones and, most importantly, with God.
We need to slow down. God speaks to us in our time of silence.
The Israelites had just left Egypt. When they saw the mighty Egyptian army marching after them and the Red Sea before them, they were terrified. Naturally, they blamed Moses, their leader. They accused Moses of bringing them out of Egypt to die, cynically stating their preference of serving the Egyptians instead. But Moses told them not to be afraid. He told them to stand firm, be still, and see the Lord fighting for them (Exodus 14:10-14). We know the outcome.
Elijah had just killed hundreds of Baal’s prophets. When Jezebel threatened to kill him, he ran for his life in fear, leaving behind his servant. He was utterly alone, depressed, and exhausted. He asked God to take away his life. God didn’t rebuke him, or shout to make Himself heard. Instead, God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper. Later, God gave him Elisha to help him connect with others.
Even amid terrifying events, like earthquakes, with the ground giving way and mountains falling, or nations around us fighting ferociously and kingdoms collapsing, don’t panic. Don’t let such events grip you.
God is our refuge, strength, fortress, and ever-present help, whether in chaos or in peace. So, even in severe distress, pray. Do what you can, but leave the outcome to God.
It may help to keep a private journal. Write down your fears, struggle, how God helped you, and what you have learned.
Be still. Be quiet. Learn and know that He is God. He will win the battle and do the great work. He will be exalted in the world (Psalm 46:1, 2, 6, 7, 10).
Summary of a sermon titled “Be Still...Be Quiet” by Charles R. Swindoll
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U24L4YOJLfI
Some of us are constantly interrupted by messages and external stimuli. Such persistent noise denies us the silence and solitude we need, crowding our lives and robbing us of any intimate time with loved ones and, most importantly, with God.
We need to slow down. God speaks to us in our time of silence.
The Israelites had just left Egypt. When they saw the mighty Egyptian army marching after them and the Red Sea before them, they were terrified. Naturally, they blamed Moses, their leader. They accused Moses of bringing them out of Egypt to die, cynically stating their preference of serving the Egyptians instead. But Moses told them not to be afraid. He told them to stand firm, be still, and see the Lord fighting for them (Exodus 14:10-14). We know the outcome.
Elijah had just killed hundreds of Baal’s prophets. When Jezebel threatened to kill him, he ran for his life in fear, leaving behind his servant. He was utterly alone, depressed, and exhausted. He asked God to take away his life. God didn’t rebuke him, or shout to make Himself heard. Instead, God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper. Later, God gave him Elisha to help him connect with others.
Even amid terrifying events, like earthquakes, with the ground giving way and mountains falling, or nations around us fighting ferociously and kingdoms collapsing, don’t panic. Don’t let such events grip you.
God is our refuge, strength, fortress, and ever-present help, whether in chaos or in peace. So, even in severe distress, pray. Do what you can, but leave the outcome to God.
It may help to keep a private journal. Write down your fears, struggle, how God helped you, and what you have learned.
Be still. Be quiet. Learn and know that He is God. He will win the battle and do the great work. He will be exalted in the world (Psalm 46:1, 2, 6, 7, 10).
Summary of a sermon titled “Be Still...Be Quiet” by Charles R. Swindoll
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U24L4YOJLfI