Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near[.]..But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. Zephaniah 1:7, Habakkuk 2:20
I resumed my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide. My focus this morning is the conclusion for this week's look at Revelation 4-8:1. One of the key takeaways and "personal implications" from this week is the importance of silence as a spiritual disciplines. The study shares that: "[t]he silence in heaven at the opening of the seventh seal is sudden and shocking. Throughout Revelation 1–7, we have heard a joyous cacophony of sound reverberating throughout heaven (e.g., 1:10; 4:5, 8, 11; 5:9–10, 12–13). But now, suddenly, silence for half an hour. What’s the meaning of this unexpected silence? The Old Testament background helps us understand. In the book of Zephaniah, God announces his coming terrible, worldwide judgment (Zephaniah. 1:2) and Zephaniah 1:7 tells us the proper response: “Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near.” In the Old Testament—and in Revelation—silence is the horrified, awe-filled, stunned response to the sheer weight of God’s judgment (see Habakkuk. 2:20).*"
This post from Renovare.org (which I have valued in my journey with Christ) defines the spiritual discipline of silence as "closing off our souls from “sounds,” whether noise, music, or words, so that we may better still the inner chatter and clatter of our noisy hearts and be increasingly attentive to God." This definition convicts me because there are many times when I don't "close off my soul" from the outside world (people, noises, distractions, etc.) and this severely impacts the quality of my time spent with God. God please help me with the spiritual discipline of silence!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You love me - You have given me the gift of salvation and I have Your Word and the Holy Spirit to help me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sins of worry, etc. persist. Please help me. Please help me overcome these sins and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
*Witmer, Stephen. Revelation (Knowing the Bible) (p. 14). Crossway. Kindle Edition.
