"Blessed Quiteness"

“Blessed Quietness”

 

When I interviewed for my hospice position in Columbia I was asked what my greatest adjustment from pastoring to chaplaincy would be. In response I related a scene from “Hogan’s Heroes” (one of my all-time favorite TV shows) in which the general told the blubbering Colonel Klink to “Shut up and listen.” After 41 years as primarily a talker my CPE training had shown me I was to be more a hearer in my new role. Recently a chaplain friend related how in one of his most meaningful visits he said virtually nothing and listened to the patient pour out her heart. Now I sometimes tell patients, “I may not have answers but I have ears.” This often brings great emotional relief as they feel free to share their feelings.

Author Joe Bayly told of visitors’ coming to calling hours after his son’s death. Most felt they had to say something but their well-meaning words brought little comfort. One friend, however, just sat with him for about half an hour without speaking. Bayly’s comment was, “I was sorry to see him go.” Sometimes what’s most needed is quiet presence.

In 1897 Manie Ferguson wrote a hymn called “Blessed Quietness”. When we go to a restaurant, mall, or social gathering we often have to almost shout to be heard through the background din. But at the same time we’re uncomfortable with silence. Sarah Young write in Jesus Calling, “Quietness is the classroom where you learn to hear My (i.e. Jesus’) voice.” I’m ashamed to think of how seldom I’ve sat still and hushed before God and allowed Him to (in the words of another old hymn), “Speak, Lord, in the stillness, while I wait on Thee; Hushed my heart to listen in expectancy.”

When the prophet Habakkuk sought to understand the Lord’s purposes in dealing with Judah God told him, “…The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.” (2:20, emphasis added). Earlier another of God’s messengers had written, “…In quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” (Isaiah 30:15). (Things haven’t changed much in 2500+ years, have they?) When will we learn that “…there’s a time to keep silent and a time to speak….” (Ecclesiastes 3:7)?

God tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God….” (Psalm46:10). (Note this is a command.) As we obey we’ll experience “blessed quietness” so we can hear His voice.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan