Quietness
The sermon emphasizes God's ability to give us peace and calm in the midst of turmoil and chaos, and encourages us to cultivate a sense of quietness in our lives through faith and trust in Him.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding quietness in the midst of life's storms, drawing parallels to Jesus calming the stormy seas with His powerful words of peace. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence and finding calmness even when faced with challenges and loss of consolations, as God's peace surpasses all understanding and brings tranquility to the soul.
Text
"He giveth quietness." (Job 34:29).
Quietness amid the dash of the storm. We sail the lake with Him still; and as we reach its middle waters, far from land, under midnight skies, suddenly a great storm sweeps down. Earth and hell seem arrayed against us, and each billow threatens to overwhelm. Then He arises from His sleep, and rebukes the winds and the waves; His hand waves benediction and repose over the rage of the tempestuous elements. His voice is heard above the scream of the wind in the cordage and the conflict of the billows, "Peace, be still!" Can you not hear it? And there is instantly a great calm. "He giveth quietness." Quietness amid the loss of inward consolations. He sometimes withdraws these, because we make too much of them. We are tempted to look at our joy, our ecstasies, our transports, or our visions, with too great complacency. Then love for love's sake, withdraws them. But, by His grace, He leads us to distinguish between them and Himself. He draws nigh, and whispers the assurance of His presence. Thus an infinite calm comes to keep our heart and mind. "He giveth quietness."
"He giveth quietness." O Elder Brother,
Whose homeless feet have pressed our path of pain,
Whose hands have borne the burden of our sorrow,
That in our losses we might find our gain.
"Of all Thy gifts and infinite consolings,
I ask but this: in every troubled hour
To hear Thy voice through all the tumults stealing,
And rest serene beneath its tranquil power.
"Cares cannot fret me if my soul be dwelling
In the still air of faith's untroubled day;
Grief cannot shake me if I walk beside thee,
My hand in Thine along the darkening way.
"Content to know there comes a radiant morning
When from all shadows I shall find release,
Serene to wait the rapture of its dawning--
Who can make trouble when Thou sendest peace?"
Sermon Outline
- I. Quietness Amid Storms
- A. God's presence in the midst of turmoil
- B. His power to calm the raging elements
- II. Quietness Amid Loss
- A. God's withdrawal of inward consolations
- B. The importance of distinguishing between God's presence and human emotions
- III. The Gift of Quietness
- A. God's desire to give us peace in every troubled hour
- B. The importance of faith in finding stillness in the midst of chaos
Key Quotes
“He giveth quietness.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Peace, be still!” — Charles E. Cowman
“Cares cannot fret me if my soul be dwelling In the still air of faith's untroubled day;” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- We can trust in God's presence and power to calm our storms, even when we cannot see or feel it.
- Faith is essential in finding stillness in the midst of chaos, and we can cultivate it by spending time in prayer and meditation, reading Scripture, and seeking to know God's presence and love for us.
- We should not make too much of our inward consolations, but rather focus on God's presence and love for us, which is not dependent on our feelings or emotions.