The Lord is my shepherd, I
lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet
waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s
sake. Psalm
23:1-3
I discovered something
recently. A clock ticks louder in a quiet room than in a room bustling with
activity. J Not
really. It only seems that way when I lie down to take a nap. You see, my
office is in our guest room. I often nap there because it’s convenient. The
clock on the wall is battery operated, and while I’m working, I don’t hear it.
As soon as I lie down, the noise is deafening.
Do you ever think about
God’s patience for humanity? In particular, his Christian children? There are
probably times when he sees me rushing about from one commitment to another,
always busy doing something, and wishes I’d slow down. I purposely carve out time
in my schedule to spend in prayer, but is it enough?
Sometimes I kind of feel
like my dog, Dixie, who’s gone on to her perpetual rest. J She used to lie in the grass, with the wind blowing through
her fur, enjoying the sounds of nature and life bustling around her.
Eventually, her head would sink to rest on her paws as she snoozed on a sunny
day. But the minute we threw a ball in the air, she’d be up on her feet, back
in the fast lane chasing balls.
I’ve noticed when I’m
chasing balls, I don’t hear the clock tick. I miss God’s quiet voice in the
stillness of the day. How often does he whisper, “Be still, and know
that I am God.”? Psalm
46:10a
But even more disconcerting
is when we feel God’s silence when we seek him. Going through trials can be
quiet, agonizing, and seemingly create distance between God and us.
Whether you’re rushing
around, missing a chance to experience God’s refreshing stillness or yearning
to hear his voice in the midst of your pain, never doubt his presence. Within
the quiet place of our soul—where our deepest hurts lie—God meets us. And
sometimes, we experience his greatest gifts while dwelling with him there.
How can you see this
manifesting itself in your own life? Do you need more quiet time to fellowship
with God—or more God in your quiet sufferings? Either way, he's there to
comfort and dwell with you. He will refresh your soul and answer your prayers
according to his perfect time and will.
“It is in
the quiet crucible of our personal private sufferings that our noblest dreams
are born and God’s greatest gifts are given in compensation for what you’ve
been through.”~Wintley Phipps
How may I pray for you?
Please leave a comment or e-mail me confidential requests.
God bless,
Laura ✞
My latest Christmas
novella, Silent Stars of Bethlehem, is available for FREE kindle download today only on Amazon.
My other books:
At this moment,I am the primary caregiver for my 21 month old granddaughter. Please pray that my good health will continue and that I will have the stamina to take care of this precious gift that has been entrusted to me. BTW, I am an older than normal first time grandmother!
ReplyDeleteLike the story "Footprints in the Sand," I can look back on my life and see where the Lord carried me even though I may not have recognized it at the time. That's why I never doubt God's presence. and I look forward to the times when I can look back on my present life and see those same moments that I might be missing now.. It also gives me peace to know when I come back to communion with the Lord after I've let the stresses of life overwhelm and distance me, He was always there waiting.
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