In the fast and extremely hectic world that we live in, is it possible to have a quite soul? Can we be calm and at rest on the inside, even when all around us are chaos and noise? I remember Bill Johnson saying something along these lines, “Jesus was able to speak to the storm because the storm wasn’t within him.” I not only believe it’s possible to live this way, but I believe we’re called to it.
Sounds of guilt, shame, anxiety, fear, anger, despair, lost innocence, can generate overwhelming noise in our souls. The quiet rest and joy promised still stands. Jesus’ arms are open as He beckons us:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]”
Matthew 11:28 AMPC
Before our original parents, Adam and Eve, sinned, they were living in innocence. There souls were at rest as they walked with God. They were free to dream and create. They were unashamed. There inner world was in alignment with the external world found in the garden. It was filled with beauty, awe, wonder, and most importantly with Father’s presence!
“Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” (Genesis 2:25 NIV)
Once they disobeyed, innocence was replaced with shame and fear. There eyes were opened, and they knew they had sinned against God. They hid from God under this new barrage of unending reality. A great conflict now filled them. There inner world was no longer in alignment with Father and they knew it, so they hid.
This reality still exists today. Men hide because of a great awareness of lost innocence within. The inner world of men echo Satan’s verdict of guilt. Many souls are just as noisy as the world around them. As we surrender to the Lord’s verdict something beautiful takes place… innocence is restored. You are now no longer compelled to run and hide. Rather, you are drawn in to the wonder and beauty of His presence. Jesus came to break us free from this curse. His blood speaks on your behalf.
“For God is satisfied to have all his fullness dwelling in Christ. And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again!”
Colossians 1:19-20 TPT
Quietness and rest of the soul isn’t found in control, it’s found in surrender.
“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. “ Isaiah 30:15
QUESTIONS:
1. Would you say that your soul is quite and at rest? Do you often battle with shame, guilt, fears, etc?
2. Until the war is settled within, we will struggle to walk in authority in the world. Example- If you have a lack of peace within, it will be difficult to bring peace into difficult circumstances. What’s the solution?
3. “Yet, Christ paid the full price to set us free from the curse of the law. He absorbed the curse completely as he became a curse in our place. For it is written: “Everyone who is hung upon a tree is cursed.””Galatians 3:13 TPT – What does this mean for you personally?
