"Quiet"

I don’t love crowded places,

I’d rather be out there,

Where the wind blows free and easy,

With open spaces everywhere.

Where the seasons paint the landscape,

And the hawk is on the wing,

There’s work to do and distance,

And often it will bring,

Moments fiercely awesome,

Filled with wonderment so still,

As horizon to horizon,

And far beyond to fill,

With the Presence so sought after,

By those crowded in somewhere,

Seldom seems they realize,

That He is always there.

And, yes, I love the worship,

Of believers when they go,

When they feel the Spirit,

And press in close, you know.

But horseback through the grandeur,

Of the ‘scape Creator wrought,

There for me is something,

That can’t be sold or bought.

The whisper in the stillness,

Is strong inside of me,

And I can always hear it,

When I’m far enough to flee,

From the hurry and the pavement,

And the noise of voices loud,

Outside the city limits,

Beyond what makes men proud.

So draw aside, my brother,

And sister, you come, too,

The Holy Spirit’s waiting,

To meet you there, it’s true.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Palm 23:2-3, NAS)

The picture is a peaceful one. The Lord is the tender shepherd that lead his flock into a safe, quiet place and takes care of them. The psalmist says this is where his soul is restored. Jesus took His disciples to the mountain, the desert, and to the water for a spiritual break. That’s what every single one of us needs. We all need a “quiet place” where we can listen to the shepherd’s voice and commune with Him. He certainly is everywhere, but most of us can sense His presence in the quiet place. Find it.

Lord, restore our souls in the quiet place, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mark Maggiori, used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you.