Stillness and Quiet

Stillness and quiet . . . not necessarily what we think are the works of the Spirit.  In fact, since faith is the evidence of the unseen, we take great comfort in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit.  His works validate our faith by giving us a peek into what God is saying and doing.

But stillness is what is prophesied in Revelation 7;

“After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea of on any tree.” (Rev 7:1).

The church Age began when the Holy Spirit came like a wind from heaven (Acts 2:2), baptizing believers with the fire of the Spirit. One wonders what must it be like when the Lord stills the wind . . . and why He would still the wind? 

We read in Revelation 7 that the angels are sealing the servants of God in their foreheads, or minds (7:3).  Since judgment would be coming to the earth, God’s people are sealed beforehand.  It is a sober time, a time of marking those who believe in God and treasure His salvation (7:10). And it is a time of personal relationship with God as the Lamb becomes the Shepherd, protecting them from harm and wiping all tears from His people’s eyes.

The stilling of God’s wind is followed by silence.  “When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” (Rev 8:1).  What follows is a time of powerful prayer as incense is mixed with the prayers of the saints.  God’s people seek the intimacy of prayer with the He who has sealed them, Who cares for them, and God partners with the people whose hearts He hears from.

I sense a time of stillness and quiet in the Spirit.  God has not changed, neither has Jesus stepped down from His throne.  Rather, it is a time for setting the foundation of intimacy in the hearts and minds of those who call on the name of Jesus.  Relationship with Him, and treasuring our salvation are the works God’s Spirit is doing in us during this season of stillness and quiet.

Some will be tempted to prophesy what they wish God would say.  Some will pray hasty prayers of proclamation.  Let us be those who enjoy the stillness and quiet for the short season, listening, praying, and become a Bride for the One Who loves us.  This relationship will keep us through all else that follows.  Amen.