THE SECRET OF THE QUIET HEART

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!  (Psalm 46:10 NKJV)

Then she said, "Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day."  (Ruth 3:18 NKJV)

Paradise vanished from our world, as the picture of a landscape vanishes when swept by a storm. And our race stands in much the same plight as did Naomi and Ruth in this old world story. We have lost our inheritance, and the one barrier which stands between us and despair is the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, thank God, we need have no doubt as to the sequel. For as Boaz claimed back the estate for Ruth, so may we be confident that Jesus Christ will never be at rest till this sin stained and distracted world is replaced by the coming of a true heavenly paradise, as when the morning stars sang for joy.

Jesus is our near kinsman by His assumption of our nature. He is the nearest and dearest friend of our race, who stooped to die for our redemption. And the fact that He carried our nature in Himself to heaven, and wears it there, is an indissoluble bond between us. Sit still! Do not fret! He will never fail, as He will certainly never forsake!

Let’s seek the quiet heart in our prayers. Prayer must arise within us as a fountain from unknown depths. But we must leave it to God to answer in His own wisest way. We are so impatient, and think that God does not answer. A child asked God for fine weather on her birthday, and it rained! Some one said, "God didn't answer your prayer." "Oh yes," she replied, "He did, God always answers, but He said No!" God always answers! He never fails! Be still! If we abide in Him, and He abides in us, we ask what we will, and it is done. As a sound may start an avalanche, so the prayer of faith sets in motion the power of God.

In times of difficulty, be still! Your enemies are plotting your overthrow! They laugh at your strong confidence! But haven’t you heard His voice saying: "This is the way, walk ye in it"? Then leave Him to deal with your foes from whatever quarter they come. He is your Rock, and rocks do not shake. He is your high tower, and a high tower cannot be flooded. You need mercy, and to Him belongs mercy. Do not run hither and thither in panic! Just quietly wait, hushing your soul, as He did the fears of His friends on the eve of Gethsemane and Calvary. "Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him." "Be still, for He will not rest, until He has finished the thing this day."

PRAYER

If this day I should get lost amid the perplexities of life and the rush of many duties, do search me out, gracious Lord, and bring me back into the quiet of Your presence.  In Your name I pray, Jesus, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #144:
My displeasure may last for a moment, but My favor is yours for life.

Psalm 30:5 (WEB)
For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.