Troublemakers

When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? – Job 34:29a

Did you catch the “who”? Let’s face it; some people are just plain troublemakers. They can stir up, lead astray, undermine, isolate, dishearten, or otherwise plague others around them just by showing up. They can be either covert or audacious, but either way, they can sabotage your peace and quietness of soul. The bad thing is, sometimes they’re unavoidable. If that’s the case, drastic measures are called for. No, I’m not advocating violence here.   

The only kind of quietness that stops a real troublemaker is the kind of quietness that only God can give. As the verse says, it’s invincible. Nobody, even the worst troublemaker you know, can withstand it. The peace of God passes all understanding (Philip. 4:7) and leaves the worst troublemaker wallowing in his or her own misery. With quietness comes confidence and with confidence comes strength (Isa. 30:15). The most awe-inspiring strength is quiet strength that remains unruffled and unshakable.

The kind of peace and quietness I’m talking about is not drug-induced or dependent on trance-like “meditation.” It comes from living daily in the presence of God through His Word and the “fellowship of the Spirit” (Philip. 2:1). It’s inner peace that produces outward grace and what I love to call, “Spiritual poise.” It’s not a quiet voice; it’s a quiet spirit. And it quiets the loudest, most overpowering troublemaker.

“A cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, however suddenly jolted.”   - Amy Carmichael