Sunday, July 3, 2011

Be still.

Camping in the tranquility of God's creation, I stumbled upon this timeless devotion from Streams in the Desert. What a beautiful reminder that in the midst of chaos (and mosquitos!), confusion, and questions, we can be still and trust that He is God. He is faithful. And He will guide us down His perfect path. I'm huddled in a corner, getting bit by mosquitos of course, trying to post this from my phone: this is THAT good that I don't want to put off sharing! :)

Hope everyone is having a relaxing fourth of July weekend. Thank you, Jesus, not only for the freedom we take for granted living in America, but for the sacrifice you paid so that we could be free from sin. Let us understand anew exactly what that means today. Amen.

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" (Isaiah 30:21)

When you have doubts or are facing difficulties, when others suggest courses of action that are conflicting, when action dictates one approach but faith another, we should be still. We should quiet each intruding person, calm ourselves in the sacred stillness of God's presence, study His Word for guidance, and with true devotion focus our attention on Him...Soon He will reveal by His secret counsel a distinct and unmistakable sense of His direction.

It is unwise for a new believer to depend on this approach alone. He should wait for circumstances to also confirm what God is revealing. Yet Christians who have had many experiences in their walk with Him know the great value of secret fellowship with the Lord as a means of discerning His will.

Are you uncertain about what direction you should go? Take your question to God and receive guidance from either the light of His smile or the cloud of His refusal. You must get alone with Him, where the lights and the darkness of this world cannot interfere and where the opinions of others cannot reach you. You must also have the courage to wait in silent expectation, even when everyone around you is insisting on an immediate decision or action. If you will do these things, the will of God will become clear to you. And you will have a deeper concept of who He is, having more insight into His nature and His heart of love. All this will be your unsurpassed gift. It will be a heavenly experience, a precious eternal privilege, and the rich reward for the long hours of waiting (pp. 240-241).

{lovely music}


Get a playlist! Standalone player Get Ringtones