‘The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.’ (vv17–18) Ecclesiastes 9:9–18

It is interesting to note that God speaks as the still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12–13). Too often, it is the noisy soundtrack that accompanies so much of life that provokes our instinctive responses. God invites us to pause and discern God’s voice, wisdom itself.

As with all music, it takes a trained ear to distinguish individual instruments. We are invited by God’s Spirit to tune into God’s refrain that continuously plays as part of life’s symphony.

All too often we’re captivated with the dramatic entrances or the grand gesture. Yet, we cannot discover God’s will and way within the cacophony of sound that overwhelms our senses; rather, it’s in God’s revelation alone that we can find hope and draw confidence (Isa. 30:15).

One reason we pause daily and read Scripture is that its pages alone contain God’s revelation, something previously undisclosed that may surprise us. Revelation challenges our assumptions and carries us beyond our comfort zone. Whilst testing our resolve, it can only ever bring us closer to God, where we discover the true purpose of our life. 

In a complex world, our hope is only ever in God. Faithfulness may not be much in fashion, but God’s kingdom is established upon the faithful lives of His disciples. Each of us can quietly invest in ensuring God’s purpose is realised through our life in His world.

RELATED SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: 1 Sam. 2; Psa. 119:105–112; 1 Cor. 1:18–31; Eph. 4:14–24.

AN ACTION TO TAKE: How might you press pause, step back from life’s soundtrack and discover God’s refrain for your own life? What is God revealing to you today through Scripture?

A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, open my eyes so that I might behold wonderful things throughout Your Word. Amen.’ (see Psa. 119:18)


Photo taken from Maxpixel.net

Micha Jazz is Director of Resources at Waverley Abbey, UK.