Psalm 31:19-24 Imagine being in a pavilion set in a green meadow sprinkled with wild flowers. As you view the bright blue sky, the only sounds you hear are the birds singing, the quiet flow of the stream beside you and the Holy Spirit making melody in your heart. We can enter such a place daily as we walk in the Spirit. David knew this secret. “Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion far from the strife of tongues” (Ps. 31:20, KJV).
Every morning I lie on the sofa in our sunroom and look at the sky through the sky light above me. On the table beside me is a decorative sign that says “The Quiet Place.” The only sounds I hear are the birds singing and leaves gently falling with the breeze. As I sink into the sofa, I climb into the quiet place God has promised me. It is just a time for my Maker and me. It is our time of intimacy. Here my Good Shepherd stills my soul, and I find strength for the day that lies ahead of me. Here I hear His still, quiet voice speaking to me, and I rejoice in Him. Sometimes I sing songs to Him, and sometimes I hear with my spiritual ears His songs to me. Often I hear Him say, “Linda, I love you.” No sound is able to break the silence of my soul as I wait upon Him. I know I will soon have to arise from this quiet pavilion and get about the duties of being a wife, homemaker and teacher in the kingdom. Before I arise, however, I ask the Lord to keep my soul and spirit in this quiet place all the day long. I want to be able to hear His voice during the day as He instructs me and teaches me. I want to make melody in my heart to Him all the day long.
The promise of our Lord is that if we would come to Him daily and learn of Him meekness and lowliness of heart, we will be able to remain in this quiet pavilion far away from the strife of tongues. Here we will find rest for our souls, and nothing that is spoken to us will offend us. Every word spoken in strife against us will bounce off this pavilion that is cushioned with His grace and perfect love.
I have come to recognize the instant I walk out of this quiet place by my own free will. My soul becomes troubled, and things others say against me impact my mind and emotions. When this happens, once again I think of that pavilion in the green meadow by the stream, and I say, “Lead me by the still waters, Lord, and comfort my soul.” The quiet place is established once again, and I can continue the day with settled emotions. Join me in this quiet place today by responding to His invitation: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden; and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29, KJV).
READ: Exodus 29:1-30:10; Matthew 26:14-46; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 8:14-26
