STILLNESS OF THE SPIRIT

Text: Psalm 46:10, Psalm 131:2
9 July 2006

(I) THE NEED TO HAVE STILLNESS OF SPIRIT

“Be still,…” Psalm 46:10

1. For the sake of tranquillity in life

2. For cultivation of faith

3. For combating fears in times of difficulties

a. Calamities (Psalm 46:2)

b. Wars (Psalm 46:8-9)

4. For peace of heart and mind.

(II) LEARNING TO CULTIVATE STILLNESS OF SPIRIT

1. Through dwelling on God

“Be still, and know that I am God;…” Psalm 46:1

a. The person of God

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

b. The presence of God

“God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved” Psalm 46:5

c. The promise of God to help

“God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.” Psalm 46:5

d. The sovereign power of God

“I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

2. Through daily practice of being still before God

a. A time of meditating on God’s word

b. A time of meeting and communion with God

c. A time of learning to trust

(III) THE EXPRESSIONS OF A STILLNESS OF SPIRIT

1. Humility

“Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty, nor my eyes lofty, neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me.” Psalm 131:1

a. Not haughty

b. Not concerning ourselves with things too great or profound for us

2. A quiet maturity of soul

“Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Psalm 131:2

a. Calmness of soul

b. Quietness of soul

c. Like a weaned child

3. Absolute trust

“O Israel, hope in the Lord from this forth and forever.” Psalm 131:3

a. In the Lord

b. Continually