Circle of Quiet

Fueled by two cups of coffee and a determination to create order, I attacked housecleaning: dishes, floors, and dusting.  Trey mirrored my focus, bustling from living room to bedroom, clutching toys and clothing to be put away. 

Looking out the window in Trey's room, I saw Sarah laying curled up in a sunny spot, enjoying a soft bed of hay.  Contentedly munching a mid-morning snack, she looked more like a cow chewing cud than a sassy pony.

Our cleaning spree came to close, and as I prepared Trey's bed for his nap, I noticed Sarah outside his window. Stretched out in the sun, eyes closed and resting, she looked so peaceful and calm. 

I began to look forward to Trey's nap time - and my own chance to be quiet. 

"How blessed...the woman you instruct in your Word, providing a circle of quiet..." 
(Psalm 94:13 MSG) 

Settling our hearts and taking time to be quiet has such value in God's eyes. He wants to speak with us, and our full, busy days can leave little space for the 'circle of quiet' where He longs to join us. I wonder how many times I've missed out on intimate conversations with God because I've neglected to recognize the 'circle of quiet' He is offering to me...

Seeing Sarah stretched out in the sun reminded me that God intends for me to seek out quiet as well, resting in His presence, listening to the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit, peaceful in God's 'circle of quiet'. 

"Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings. Soul, you've been rescued from death; Eye, you've been rescued from tears; and you, Foot, were kept from stumbling." 
(Psalm 116:7-8)

Be Still:
Find a place where you can be alone. Insulate yourself activity by either putting on some quiet worship music or going outside where you can hear the birds singing. Take some deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling until you feel yourself relax. Read the following prayer out loud: "Come, Holy Spirit. I invite you to join me here. I ask that you enclose me in the circle of quiet that God provides. Dear Jesus, Instruct me in the Truth of your Love and open my heart to the opportunity of knowing you deeper. Thank you..."  Sit for a few moments, breathing deeply, listening for Jesus' words to you. 

Reflection:
Consider the concept  that God is blessing you and wants you to take time to reflect on His goodness, His blessings. 
Write out the last Psalm in the devotional (Psalm 116: 7-8). Using it as a guide, list out areas in your life where God has showered you with blessings. What are you thankful for in your life? When your list is created, use it to pray a prayer of thanks.