Beside Quiet Waters

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.

Dixie chilling

Do you ever think about God’s patience for humanity? In particular, his Christian children? I know 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.

“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 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.

Wintley Phipps - It Is Well With My Soul (From Bill Gloria Gaither Live)

How may I pray for you? Please leave a comment or e-mail me confidential requests. While you’re here, would you lift up those who leave comments, as well as those on the prayer list at the top of the blog? Thanks! J

God bless,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole

Stream image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net/mapichal.