Sunday, February 17, 2013

Quietness and trust.....

There is no real change in anything at this point.  Still waiting on medication and insurance snafus.  Hopefully in another couple of weeks we'll know more.

I mostly just want to share this devotional from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  It ministered to me greatly.  It's all stuff I need to keep learning (or re-learning!).  This time around, something that really caught my eye and heart from Isaiah 30 is the last phrase, "but you would have none of it."

"Repentance and rest, quietness and trust....but you would have none of it."

I battle the voices of my youth which shout that it's not okay to be quiet and rest.  "Busy-ness is the most important thing.  Getting things accomplished is where worth lies.  With achievement comes approval."  And on and on.  So, God's voice needs to be louder than the others, and defeat them.  I don't want to be accused by Him of "having none of it," ........the things that are important to Him.  I need to learn deep down that it's really okay to be quiet and rest and not feel guilty when I am sitting reading or quilting of an afternoon.  Because that is where He has me right now.

So, here you go.....

Jesus Calling - February 16

Thank Me for the conditions that are requiring you to be still.  Do not spoil these quiet hours by wishing them away, waiting impatiently to be active again.  Some of the greatest works in My kingdom have been done from sick beds and prison cells.  Instead of resenting the limitations of a weakened body, search for My way in the midst of these very circumstances.  Limitations can be liberating when your strongest desire is living close to Me.

Quietness and trust enhance your awareness of My Presence with you.  Do not despise these simple ways of serving Me.  Although you feel cut off from the activity of the world, your quiet trust makes a powerful statement in spiritual realms.  My Strength and Power show themselves most effective in weakness. 

Be still before the Lord, all mankind,
because He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling.
Zechariah 2:13

This is what the Sovereign Lord,
the Holy One of Israels, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.
Isaiah 30:15

But He said to me,
My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you
[sufficient against any danger and enables you to
bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power
are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves
most effective in [your] weakness.
Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses
and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ
(the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP