Feeling disappointed, I turned to read My bible and the Lord gave me a gem "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15 ). Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to be busy doing a million things: teaching, painting, reading, writing, gardening, going to plays, museums etc. But the Lord tells me my strength comes from being confident in Him, trusting in Him, not complaining but being quiet.
In this crazy, busy world we all need quiet times of rest, not just physical rest but spiritual rest. We need to find that secret place under the shadow of the Almighty's wings. It is a place of peace and trust in Him. It is a place of knowing that God is El Shaddai , Almighty all sufficient. He is my provider, and gives me " all things that pertain to life and godliness"( 2 Peter 1:3 ), which is not always everything I want. I wanted to go to that Art Symposium, but God had different plans for me.
Having been strapped to this couch, I've had time to think and learn a few lessons. Numero uno (Number one) is that the spiritual work God does in me is far more important than what I do. I've had to learn that lesson a few times, being a type A personality. I need to spend more time in that special "secret place" so I can be filled with more of Him. His attributes of kindness, mercy, goodness, self-control and agape, unconditional love will then replace the not so lovely parts of my personality. Only then can rivers of living water flow out from me to a parched and weary land.
The second lesson I'm learning is don't let your job take up too much time away from family, friends and church. More and more employers want to own you and your time. Don't get me wrong, I really like my job and we should, but don't let it steal from you what's really important in life--godly relationships. Connect with people to pour out whatever it is God pours into your life to serve others. That's number three.
King Solomon tells us to find whatever your hands can to do that is before you and do it. Wise advice. Just don't overdo it. Give to others, serve in the capacity God is calling you, without any thought of getting in return. Give freely of yourself after you've spend time with God, in His Word and prayer. Most importantly find that secret place where you can abide with Him in the midst of the chaos of this world. Don't be content to let that be just your quiet time, but abide there, dwell, live. That's been my problem. I love my quiet time with Him, but I've got to learn to bring more of that godly peace and love into the everyday work a world. I need to quiet my mind, my heart and my soul to hear Him throughout the day. and listen to His still, small voice. In the place I will receive quiet strength to face any challenge thrown in my path. How about you?
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