Youe Weekly Message From Hexam Churches

       When I was young I can remember going to pop/rock concerts with my friends and, boy, were they loud, deafening. And I’m sure many of you did the same thing, or, like my brother, went to football matches with thousands shouting and screaming, cheering for their team. Just as loud and noisy, I think. We find ourselves in many loud and noisy places but where do we find the quiet places? Now let’s think about quiet places. I think of being at the seashore where the only sound may be the splash of waves or the cry of a gull; sitting in the countryside watching the birds. Sometimes you can find a quiet corner in a library; in your garden; you may have a quiet space in your house.

      The Bible teaches us about the life of Jesus and this passage tells us that Jesus visited a friend’s home where he healed a woman who had a fever, and the people who saw spread the news throughout the town. The result of that was many people came to him to be healed. Early the next morning Jesus needed to find a place of quiet to pray and to consider what was happening as a consequence of him healing the people. He needed to remove himself from the crowds so he could continue his work of preaching and showing the people the love of God. This story reminds us of the importance of silence – discovering a quiet place where we can think and pray.

        We may find ourselves in loud exciting places wherever we choose to go. It is good to be together and feel the excitement of that, but we also need to locate a quiet place to be alone and feel peaceful. It is there we find rest and refresh ourselves so we are able to help with God’s work of sharing His love with others