"Stillness in His presence."
"…And after the fire a still small voice…" 1 Kings 19:12
"Why are You still, O Lord my God?" I asked Him again. I slowly learn in the midst of a flame, the trials come suddenly, like an unexpected raging wave, the doubts come as a thunderstorm, the trouble is hard against me and the problems continue to grow. But in the midst of a flame, there is a hollow place where one must be still. Waiting on the Lord is often a difficult thing to do, to be in silence and loneliness, sometimes without direction, without a choice but to go forward. Yes, to go back is nothing but death, and to go forward is the fear of death, but beyond that is everlasting life. I will yet go forward. Are not the righteous men tried and made white that they may be purified and the Lord glorified? God be magnified for preserving and delivering. Bless His holy name for hearing the prayers of the poor and needy. In the midst of every trouble, in the middle of every flame, with the problem before me and with the doubt close behind me, I will lift up my eyes and my voice to God, who is worthy to be praised. Although God may wait, His way is perfect, never too late, and if He tarries long and silent, I will wait patiently, with the help of God. We must enter into that secret place, abide under His shadow and trust in His refuge as our shelter. To be hoping as a little child, to have the faith of Christ and obey His word all our days is good in the sight of God. How can we stand without Him? Without the grace of God at this very moment, we would fall down lower than the grave. Let us be still in His presence, listen for that still small voice, which sometimes comes out from the flame. God is faithful to lead us through the valley, and although it is a shadow and death to us, the good Shepherd knows the way unto righteousness and truth. He will restore us, but we must keep still and be as a weaned child, quieted and yet always trusting in God for provision. Tell Him your troubles, pour our your heart's burdens to Him, and He will help you through, I know He will and you must believe on His name, trust His word and hope in His mercy. Sit down at His feet and be still, know that He is God and have faith in Him, faith in Him enough to wait and be still.
Come, wearied pilgrim, come to the calming stream of the Lord, the Good Shepherd who awaits you in the green pastures of His righteousness. Can you hear Him calling? Be still, listen and wait, watch and do not doubt. Be thankful and always have a grateful heart. Teach us to wait, O Lord, teach us to be patience and listen for You call, help us to see beyond the troubles, help us to overcome our fears, to just be still, knowing that You are God. Stillness in His presence, to breathe His sweetness for recovery and see His loving salvation for restoration. The Lord comes with redemption, and now He has become my refuge from the storm.
"He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." Psalm 107:29
A devotion of stillness
May 14, 2002