Encouragement for Today - May 29, 2012
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May 29, 2012
Silencing Our Soul |
"But I have stilled and quieted my soul." Psalms 131:2 (NIV 1984)
I'm a talker; always have been. When report cards were sent home, my parents never expected anything better than a C beside the word "conduct." One of my elementary teachers politely called me "very social," while most were more blunt. "Wendy talks too much. She could learn more if she would talk less."
Unfortunately, old habits die hard. I brought this trait of talking too much into my quiet time with God, filling the silence with words ... lots and lots of words. I wonder if sometimes the Father looks to the Son and says, "I can't get a word in edge-wise with this girl! She could learn more if she would talk less."
To be honest, silence wasn't easy for this girl who likes to gab. I wanted to tell God what I thought would be good solutions to my problems. To-do lists ran through my head, instead of peace and quiet. Dusty shelves and piles of toys distracted my attention.
It felt unnatural not to be talking, so I resisted it.
I shared my uneasiness with God but knew silence and stillness were things I needed to practice. During these times I heard God's gentle encouragement, "Shhh. Be still. It's okay to be silent. You don't have to say a word."
Gradually I felt something I couldn't name until I read our key verse: rest.
My spirit felt renewed and at peace. In silence and stillness God united His heart with mine, allowing me to experience the rest I needed.
As we fill the reservoir of our soul with true refreshment from God we learn to relax in the rhythms of His grace. We experience real peace and rest that only come from the silence and stillness of being with Him. We carry this refreshment with us as we face the challenges of our day.
Do you have the gift of gab like me? Do you find it challenging to sit quietly with God? Ask Him to help you practice and enjoy silence and stillness. Your soul will find refreshing peace. God's rest is exactly what our restless soul needs.
Dear Lord, my soul is having a hard time being still. I lay down my resistance to silence, and commit to five minutes of silence with You for the next month. I praise You in advance for what You are going to say to me in the silence. I thank You for the rest only You can give. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
The Yes, No and Maybe of a Balanced Life (CD) by Wendy Pope
Would you like to bring the message of this devotion to the women of your church? Click here to find out more about considering Wendy as your next retreat / keynote speaker.
Visit Wendy's blog today. She will share about the freedom she has learned to enjoy by learning to silence her soul.
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Reflect and Respond:
What keeps you from silencing your soul during quiet time with God?
For five days spend five minutes in silence with God. Open the time of silence by repeating today's keep verse. Keep a reflection journal of your time with Him.
Power Verses:
Matthew 11:28-30, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (MSG)
Ecclesiastes 3:7, "...a time to be silent and a time to speak." (NIV)
© 2012 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.
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