The Pursuit of Quietness

I enjoy walking.  Probably that’s because I never acquired a taste for running.  I do not understand those who enjoy running, and probably never will.  But a good walk, a lengthy stroll, an untimed wander—I’m all in.  Walks with Linda, my wife, are the best.  But next best are walks by myself.  Yes there’s exercise in walking, but I enjoy the solitude, the time with my thoughts, the minutes alone to contemplate. 

At Westchester we have been going through a sermon series on “Dealing with the MESS of STRESS.”  We have been trying to be honest with the everyday stress of life that everyone feels but also hopeful with the life and grace that God has for us in Jesus.  As I have been preparing and preaching some of the sermons of this series God has been challenging me with the pursuit of quietness and more time alone with Him.   

In Lamentations 3 we often turn to verses 22-24, and they encourage us.

   The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."

But God has been working on me with the next two verses, 25-26:

  The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.
It is good  that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.

There’s an old Latin phrase which goes, ambulando solvitur.  This phrase translates: it will be solved by walking.  I’m sure there’s an array of ways this phrase has been used and applied over the years.  For me, in response to His prompting during this sermon series, I have been asking God to help me be more quiet.  To seek Him and His ways with more heart and determination.  So, more than ever before, I have intentionally combined my walking with my communion with God.  And certainly, the walking itself doesn’t solve anything and I still get distracted by the happenings around me— the inconsiderate biker, the occasional deer, the pressing issue in my mind— but there have been times when meeting with God, alone, on a walking path, have been precious and spiritually encouraging.

So I extend this challenge to you as well.  Whether while walking or sitting or I suppose even while running, let’s seek more quietness and time in God’s presence.  Then together let’s face the stresses of everyday life.

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Dave MacKinnon

About the Author:
Dave serves on staff at Westchester as Senior Pastor