A Quiet Spirit

Dec. 12, 2018 | By Creflo Dollar

Many of us have become accustomed to functioning in a noisy, distracting world. The message of the day blaring loudly and intruding on our thoughts appears to be the widely-accepted norm. However, if we’re not careful about filtering out external sights and sounds, they can get inside us and have a disquieting effect. We can fight and overcome this negative influence by focusing on the Word of God.

“Disquieting” is defined as something that induces feelings of anxiety or worry, something dreadful or frightful. There’s plenty around us to see and hear that’s not good; paying too much attention to the external stimuli washing over us can lead to sensory overload. When we feel we can’t take any more cacophony, God’s presence in our lives calms us. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10, NKJV). Sometimes we need to take a break from the hustle and bustle, sit quietly, and meditate on what He tells us.

When we’re quiet on the inside, we can withstand the onslaught of information from the world that contradicts God’s Word. Being still in our spirits and souls helps us separate fact from fiction; it also guards us against frustration when we see things happen that we instinctively know is wrong. “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7, NLT). Things aren’t always what they appear to be on the physical level, and the “prosperity” that the wicked enjoy is only temporary. “For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be” (Psalm 37:9, 10).

Letting the world get to us leaves us in turmoil and unrest. Being in God’s presence has the opposite effect. Screening out all the “junk” we see and hear helps us tune in to Him and hear what He tells us. “And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest” (Exodus 33:14). There’s nowhere on earth we can go to escape His loving presence.

Being at rest spiritually empowers us to be in the world without being part of it. Letting Christ set us apart and minister to us gives us the peace and quiet we need. “But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4, AMPC). It’s very important to God that we’re not fretful and twisted up inside.

When our hearts and minds are attuned to God, this shows up in our lifestyle. Keeping our thoughts centered on Christ gives us the peace of mind to live a quiet life. “…that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour” (1 Timothy 2:2, 3). When the noise and distractions of the world threaten to sweep us away, refocusing on God anchors us right where He wants us to be.

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