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.
5 Comments
Nina
5/10/2011 06:42:30 am
This is just lovely, Rosalyn. Drowning in deadlines for today, it was just what I needed to hear. REST. Be STILL. And THEN comes the knowing of Him. Mmmm...
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Cynthia Price
5/11/2011 04:58:18 am
Just resting while Dad is napping, Thank you for the verses from Psalms that have quieted my heart and mind and let me reflect on Gods' faithfulness to me. Wonderful insights and encouragement in your devotional today.
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Diane Eck
5/11/2011 05:31:28 am
Roz, We are so blessed to have you in our fellowship at CCC!!! You have an awesome way with words and have caused me to take time out of my busy schedule today to "reflect on His goodness and blessings"!! One of the blessings he has provided for the women in our midst is you!! Have a joyous afternoon and evening!
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Heather Lape
5/11/2011 11:07:10 am
Rosalyn...that was awesome. I really needed to hear that today! I totally felt God tugging all day to relax and have just a few moments of quiet time, something I lack. And my, oh my, he let Aiden not have to be rocked back to sleep so I had a few extra quiet moments! God, You are awesome in every way!
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Carol Crawford
5/14/2011 11:10:24 am
Thank you for those words. This has been an extremely busy week for me and the weekend is off to the same start. Thank you for the reminder that I need that time to relax and rest in Gods goodness and blessings.
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