Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

"Slow down!" "Take time to look at all the good things that surround you!"

I'm guessing that like me your days are pretty busy. Not simply with things to do but with thoughts and emotions too. We spend each and everyday processing thoughts and feelings and trying to deal with them, and this can sometimes result in stress and worry. If you're anything like me you spend much time not only processing what you are thinking but also trying to process what other people are thinking (especially about you). Stop!

I have just returned from a short break visiting my aunt in sunny Suffolk. I spent much of that time sitting in her garden, basking in the sun, with nothing to do, simply being with my thoughts. To relax with my God and to simply be, to simply 'allow' was a wonderful thing. I couldn't remember the last time I just sat down and chilled out with God, and it was truly wonderful. Just going over the year and praising God for things that have happened; and apologising for all the times I worried myself sick over one thing or another - Only to realise now the situation was resolved, that there had been nothing to worry about.

'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.a time to be silent and a time to speak...' (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8)

What does it mean to be silent?

Lay your life at the foot of the cross and be silent. Give your life to Jesus for He cares for you, and sit back and be silent with your Saviour.

Jesus is our Saviour who said, I will take your sin, and Father forgive them they know not what they do. Jesus' love for us is so great that He wants us to let go, and give our life to Him so that we can be free. Free to be silent, free to simply be, and sit back and praise God for all the wonderful things that fill our lives, and enjoy life in all its fullness.