Job 22:21 (NIV)
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace
Job 22:21 (KJV)
All your children will be taught by the Lord,
and great will be their peace.
Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)
Yes! blessed are those holy hours in which the soul retires from the world
to be alone with God. God's voice, as Himself, is everywhere. Within and
without, He speaks to our souls, if we would hear. Only the din of the
world, or the tumult of our own hearts, deafens our inward ear to it.
Learn to commune with Him in stillness, and He, whom thou hast sought in
stillness, will be with thee when thou goest abroad.
E.B. Pusey (1800-1882) Regius Professor of Hebrew at Christ Church, Oxford for over 50 years
How much difference a translation can make. Take a look at the two translations of Job 22:21. "Submit" as compared to "acquaint". One implies control, dominance, authority. While the other stresses a relationship based on learning and knowledge.
All too often the "submit to" part of Christianity is stressed over the "acquaint with" part. Blind submission can lead to resentment and disobedience. Do you know to whom you are submitting? Not just the name or a vague idea, but really a deep, intimate knowledge.
The last line of Pusey's passage is a key to Christian living, "Learn to commune with Him in stillness, and He, whom thou hast sought in stillness, will be with thee when thou goest abroad." Knowledge, a true learning about who God is, is best obtained during periods of quiet, reflective time alone with Him and His Word.
Corporate worship is necessary. Group Bible studies can lead to growth. Accountability partners are helpful. But time alone with God is the foundation to knowledge of Him. And only through increased knowledge of Him can we increase our faith in and love for Him.
Find alone time. Jealously guard that time. Pull the iPad plug. Hit the "off" button on the remote. Cancel that 12th holiday party. "Be still and know that am God." Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
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