I get this devo every day and it always strikes cord. Often I am so ambitious to get things done for the Lord or anxious to see it done using my ideas. I need to learn to sit back and be used of God with His plans not my own. It is so hard to just "sit still". I have to work hard at doing this as it is against my nature. Since I have the Holy Spirit of God living in my and His power enables me, I can have the power to "sit still" and let God lead.
Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Source: Streams in the Desert
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ . . . and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:4-6).
This is our rightful place, to be "seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus," and to "sit still" there. But how few there are who make it their actual experience! How few, indeed think even that it is possible for them to "sit still" in these "heavenly places" in the everyday life of a world so full of turmoil as this.
We may believe perhaps that to pay a little visit to these heavenly places on Sundays, or now and then in times of spiritual exaltation, may be within the range of possibility; but to be actually "seated" there every day and all day long is altogether another matter; and yet it is very plain that it is for Sundays and week-days as well.
A quiet spirit is of inestimable value in carrying on outward activities; and nothing so hinders the working of the hidden spiritual forces, upon which, after all, our success in everything really depends, as a spirit of unrest and anxiety.There is immense power in stillness. A great saint once said, "All things come to him who knows how to trust and be silent." The words are pregnant with meaning. A knowledge of this fact would immensely change our ways of working. Instead of restless struggles, we would "sit down" inwardly before the Lord, and would let the Divine forces of His Spirit work out in silence the ends to which we aspire. You may not see or feel the operations of this silent force, but be assured it is always working mightily, and will work for you, if you only get your spirit still enough to be carried along by the currents of its power.
--Hannah Whitall Smith
"There is a point of rest At the great center of the cyclone's force,
A silence at its secret source;
A little child might slumber undisturbed,
Without the ruffle of one fair curl,
In that strange, central calm, amid the mighty whirl.
"It is your business to learn to be peaceful and safe in God in every situation.
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2 comments:
I think this is the biggest lesson I have been learning this year. I can't do all that I want to do and am forced to sit back and watch. I have learned alot from watching others lead in areas where they don't need to lead. Thus dominating an activity that was flowing well. I could see myself doing what this pastors wife did, trying to control way to many details.
It is hard but I think so worth it to slow down and wait on the Lord a little!
By the way, I think of you now when I read Streams. AND, HANNAH WITHALL SMITH is a marvelous author isn't she????
I got a book of her's from a friend and was so challenged. I love old authors!
Hey mom, I checked and under settings basic at the bottom of the page it has the option to delete blog.
It was great talking to you, thanks for keeping me up to date on things there.
Christen
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