Quiet your heart in his presence and pray; keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you. And don’t think for a moment that the wicked in their prosperity are better off than you. Psalm 37:7 TPT
One of the most difficult things for me to do when I have to find a hopeful solution to a sticky problem, is to do nothing at all.
I want to trust God, but my heart is full of fear, not believing.
Now what?
Well, God’s instruction to me is to, “quiet my heart and pray.”
That sounds easy. But when I am upset? My mind is racing around frantically looking for something to do!
Is our believing somehow connected to our stillness?
Are our “answers” waiting in the quiet?
The following devotions by Brian Simmons showed up on a day when I was struggling to grasp any kind of, “still and quiet believing.”
The last thing I wanted to do was hold still!
But this first devotion titled, Hold Me, was just what I needed.
I think it perfectly expresses how many of us feel when our lives are chaotic, and we can’t seem to find the answers we need.
Lord, listen to all my tender cries. Read my every tear, like liquid words that plead for your help. Psalm 39:12 TPT
Hold Me…
I’m no stranger to your love. I know the ways of grace and truth. We have danced upon oppression and sailed through blackened storms of confusion. My hope is anchored in your promises. I know you will make a way. But right now I feel alone. My tears are liquid words, speaking what my voice cannot.
I’ve set my heart on pilgrimage- I am yours forever and that will never change. I believe you will part the dark skies, but I’ve been waiting for so long. I’m tired. Today, all I can do is cry. Come. Hold me.
I will find the joy beyond this suffering. You will kiss me with restoration. Once again I will walk upon the breath of grace. But not right now. Right now I am enfolded in your arms and this is where I’ll stay.
You will hold me until the pain stops; until I am quiet and can hear you speak.
[March 5]
Quiet Follower… lean back
It is not to the great or famous that I give my reward, but to the faithful. The world will celebrate those who walk in step with the current trends, but I will celebrate those who take my hand and walk with Me surrounded by holiness. Quiet followers who cherish My Word and follow My ways- they are the ones who will see My hand of favor. Some follow Me out of duty, others follow Me out of curiosity, but you, My chosen ones, follow Me out of delight. Take My hand and be faithful in all things, for I am your great reward.
Eden’s pleasures are found within you. As you have chosen to take the narrow road, I will thrill you with My presence. The broad way has the laughter of the world with it, but the path of eternal pleasures will lead you into My heart. The joy I give overflows, for it is the boundless joy of My heart. I have taken notice of your faithfulness to Me. When others did their best to pull you away, you still found Me as your great reward. I rejoice with singing when I consider what you have yielded to Me. The world’s riches are but trinkets when compared to My glory. The fickle applause of others will not steer you away from My heart. Be faithful, little one, and I will always be your great reward.
Have I not said that I am the rewarder of those who faithfully seek Me? There is no reward the world can give, for all is fruitless and fading away. Yet My eternal joy draws you in, welcomes you, settles your heart. I have promised that no one will take this joy from you. Hold it fast and let it refresh you this day. Glimpses of eternity fasten your heart to Me and not to this world. Your faithfulness will be celebrated for all of eternity. It is not to fame that I have called you, but to faithful, quiet, and forever longings after Me. I am enough for you, My child. I am your exceedingly great reward.
And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who give all their passion and strength into seeking him. Hebrews 11:6 TPT
[I Am Your Exceedingly Great Reward]
The LORD openeth [the eyes of] the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: Psalm 146:8
Be comforted, O child of the Redeemer! The Lord will always be there for you. Your every need will be filled. Your every sorrow will be mourned. The Lord shall faithfully lift your head and strengthen you in your time of adversity. Lean on Him. Trust in Him. For He is worthy. And He will care for you. – Daily Promise, Blue Letter Bible
Women With Destiny 