Shhh. Be quiet. Be still. Mute the TV and put away your cell phone. In fact, put everything away for just a minute.

Listen. Do you hear that? Can you hear that deafening noise? Yes, that’s right; QUIET. You probably aren’t used to that rare, dull hum of nothingness. It may frighten you at first, but give it time and it will engulf your soul with contemplation, peace, and joy. Let me share a few thoughts on quietness I’ve had as I’ve spoken with some of you on the journey recently.

No kidding there I was, all alone with 3 boys and CHAOS. My wife went to spend some much needed time with her mother during a difficult time and it was now man time. For an entire week! It was fun, crazy, thrilling, exhausting! (Side note: mothers are amazing and should never be taken for granted) I found myself running around the house with my hair on fire. On top of getting 2 boys to school and 1 boy learning to walk and get into everything, I had to maintain the normal life duties like my pastoral responsibilities and political campaign assignments. Bed time couldn’t come fast enough each night! At the end of the day I would sit quietly on the couch. The TV was off, the lights were off, and I could hear myself breathe. I enjoyed those few moments of proverbial peace and quiet.

I think my experience is pretty common to most of us. It’s part of human nature to be busy filling my time with important tasks to accomplish. After all, my motto, “What’s next?” The culture doesn’t help much either. Whether you are the parent running around with those little blessings, the corner office business person who somehow manages, the student who has a stack of books to read and a pile of papers to write, or the seasoned veteran of life trying to squeeze in a few more adventures before the end comes; you are busy.

I don’t want to give you all of what I think you need to help with this problem we all have because it would probably overwhelm you. In the weeks to come, I’ll share more of what the Bible teaches and what I believe are necessary steps to your spiritual and emotional health. I’ll share some helpful tips on how you can joy in the journey and have calm in the storm, but more on that later.

What I want is to invite you to be still, to be quiet, and to enjoy those moments in the calm.

Some of you may be thinking, “I have way too much to do!” or “Who will get everything done if I don’t?” I think those are some of the same thoughts and concerns the poet that penned Psalm 46 has. Read what he writes,

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah