Quiet Your Soul
by Suzanne Benner
** Are your responsibilities overwhelming you? Let us know how we can pray: http://christianwomentoday.com/chat/share.html
Much depends on you. Your responsibilities are piled up in a tottering tower. Parents, employees, friends, children, colleagues, neighbors, telemarketers and strangers have expectations of you.
You try to be wise and fair and discerning and faithful and honest and helpful and diligent and kind, but it overwhelms you.
Take heart.
King David, ruler over the united kingdoms of Judah and Israel, warrior, man after God’s heart, wrote a prescription for the crushing weight of responsibility:
“My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore” (Psalm 131:1 – 3).
Humbly and simply David surrendered himself into God’s care.
David quieted his soul by realizing that although he had a position of power and importance, he was not responsible for everything. Instead he chose to trust in God.
Regardless of the number of people counting on you — independent of your position of authority or responsibility — everything does not depend on you; there are many things you don’t understand. Humbly admit the truth. Put your confidence in God rather than yourself.
There are a hundred worries clamoring for your attention, but only one thing is necessary.
Trust in God; quiet your soul.
~Holy God, the situation I face is too big for me. I don’t understand the ramifications of every decision, so I’m giving it over to you. Help me to quiet my soul. Teach me to be still and trust completely in you.
Questions:
1. Why is it hard to stop our frantic efforts and trust instead in God?
2. How do you quiet your soul? What do you do when the same worries resurface?
About the Author: http://www.talk.thelife.com/suzanne-benner/
39 Responses to “Quiet Your Soul”
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Hi
Very interesting information! Thanks!
Bye
Thank you :-}
dianne i willpray that your husband will stay in the Lord and keep reading the Bible.
bless you
sharon
lena i know what you mean about your husband being apolice officer and worring about him. for many years my only brother was apolice officer in nashiville tenn. i worried about him allthe time. now his oldest son is on the force there now. i pray all the time for him. i will now pray for your husbands safty too. i’m sur that
god will watch over him and keep him safe bless you and your family
sharon
Dianne…
Beautiful :)
Thank you :-}. My random opening up of Joy for the Journey…(Word Publishing, Inc. 1997) today was to page 101 : “From the winds and rains of adversity comes abundant growth and a beautiful life.” Nothing more is on that page but a picture of a tulip.
For Dianne:
Here’s a writeup about the “Three Steps Forward Two steps Back” (Did have title wrong!):
“We’re all faced with a series of great opportunties brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.
Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back is not a wonder pill promising a carefree Christian life. According to Charles Swindoll, ‘Life is a task. A tough one. Sometimes absolutely unbearable.’
The truth is life’s problems can’t be solved by all-too-easy cliches. And they don’t go away if they’re ignored. So Swindoll offers practical ways to cope with fear, stress, mmisunderstanding, inferiority, personal loss, anger, and temptation.
Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back can help you face problems, ‘walk into them, through them, and come out stronger in Christ on the other side.’ You can persevere through pressure.”
For Dear Dianne,
You may find a used copy of that Swindoll book at Google Search and it’d bless you! LOL, when I read that thought he had written it for me! He is an honest, refreshing Christian author!
YOU are an intelligent lady and our resident “Philosopher” on here and think deep and cause the rest of us to think, just to comment back! He made you very intelligent and along with that comes some frustation..He understands and won’t let you stay discouraged. You are very special..and HE is very much with you, too, (Emmanuel)!!!
Prayed as soon as read your ealrier comment and will continue that. Am soooo grateful for the prayers that come towards me, too! And? Wish could have shared a video of me this weekend! Am sure my husband was on his knees praying for me! I am one of those “glass half full” people..usually smiling and cheerful, positive and hopeful.. so, when my “whaaa times” come and every last one of us have them (smile).. the contrast is great when am not my usual self..thankfully for my husband, they don’t come often..the longer I walk with the Lord, the better that gets..And? It is about time as will be 64 in December, LOL! A few days ago? The Lord gently reminded me in my spirit “fran, you are getting in the way again, time to move over and let me be in charge”… But like June L wrote? These times make us appreciate all the far better ones in our walks! For a little while? I allowed the “worries” to get better of me and the devil to do “his thing”, but the LORD snapped me out of it (and answered intercession of my husband for me! LOL, he requires that, too, sometimes..We ALL do! xoxo
Thank you, Fran.
I had no idea about the Swindoll book. Just knowing there is, or was, one helps.
Thanks for the continued support! I am so full of the “don’t wanna” whaaa’s right now! LOL!
For Dianne,
HE understands those “curl up in a ball” moments..and every last one of us have them, too, that are honest and express it! “Be of Good Cheer” as you and the rest of us that know HIM among the blessed! HE will reach in and help. Remember that old saying “When the world goes out, the real friends come in”..That is actually attributed to Eurpides, I believe the Greek Philosopher who wrote those famous words..But the WORD in HIS Holy Bible LARGER!! Your husband will be blessed by going there for comfort..And we will keep praying for him, and for you, too! Chuck Swindoll wrote that book “Two Steps Forward, one step back” (msy have title wrong, but you “get the picture” lol)..And, it sold well..because we are ALL human and will have these days until we are called in His Presence. It is “what” we choose to do with them, that makes the difference. Amen..And HE is the “friend” that comes in when the whole world recedes from us! Praying for you and believing for you, too! (((((((Dianne)))))))
“…because we look for the bonfire, we miss the candle.”
“It is selfish to curl up in a ball and wallow…”
“This ‘deep hole of depression’ is a nano-second of time in overall eternity.”
“…when we begin to look at others what they have…We begin to loose focus on Gods plan and purpose for our own life…”
“God will come through for me, and He won’t be a second too late.”
These spoke to me today, especially the first two. Boy! Do I want to wallow, curled up in a little ball, in my own warm and skooshy but stinky s— today. And I have to give my testimony tonight, too!
I want to let you all know that my husband, while he has and still does do “3 steps forward and 2 or 3 steps back,” repeatedly, he has been doing a good deal better again. He’s been spending time in the Bible, and it has been calming him.
Please don’t stop praying for him, though. We need your help.
For Dear June L,
You are a writer, too!!..and should write something in the Christian Living section, yourself!
I started writing for pay in my Junior College experience up until graduation. Worked a full-time newspaper job, after day classes (until Midnight each day) those two years as a reporter for the local branch of the Daytona Beach News Journal (a morning paper). Then did reporting for the Navy after graduating their Journalism school ..Worked in the Public Information Office of their Air Training Center in Millington, TN, and did articles for local papers there on base activity and the Base Newspaper. Worked on a Civilian Newspaper after that in our travels with my husband’s musical work…and in an advertising agency. But some are gifted in the “creative” writing..I was in the newspaper field. Did, though, enjoy two columns I wrote during those Navy years..One a roving reporter question/answer format with photos that they asked me to write for the base newspaper and another on local places in that Memphis area to let Navy Personnel know what was available in the local community. Writing is like breathing for me, guess you can tell that lol! But have experienced soooo many better writers in my short time here at the blog..Those like yourself and Jackie and Maureen..MANY on here!!..Not to mention the exceptional devotional staff..who far surpass me!..Their hands guided by HIM! I come here each day to read and be blessed and am never disappointed! And along with the rest of us learn and learn..Amen!
thank you so much for the wonderful devontional
Godbless
sharon
My soul is quiet most of the time and I have an inner peace that is wondeful, that the Lord has given tome. If I fee rushed, I go to my Father in complete silence and pray and meditate either with music or just the quietness of my home and soul. I love to soak in prayer with a friend or by myself. When I come back down to earth I am refreshed for the next happening in my life. I learned to relax with music even before I knew the Lord personally. God already had me stay with Him, even though I did not know Him as well as I do now. Praise the Lord
Amen and Amen to all comments above.
To Jackie, I agree with Fran. You are an artist with pen and keyboard. I would buy your books. In fact I love short spiritual essays/stories, and most women do. Our church only purchases about 20 “Journey” journals each month, and they don’t last long. Corrie ten Boom wrote a lot of these short stories, and I am still buying hers after 30 years.
And Fran, you would be a good writer of inspiritual books yourself. Have you written books before?
Blessings to all. My health improves each day. I feel your prayers. Thanks!
Correction!! “giftbook” section of Christian bookstores..I saw them all the time when worked for that three-year period in two Christian stores. Jackie’s would measure up with any there!
For Eve,
Am so grateful that helped, Eve! It made my day here, for sure, and a little 81 year ‘young’ friend sent that to me this morning! We are ALL impatient so don’t be hard on yourself..But “Abba Daddy” understands! Over the weekend, I thought I had nothing to contribute here..was really down..But HE picks us up, dusts us off, hugs us and lets us know HE isn’t finished with us yet…And? That “letting our guards down” in our human moments might help another, too! Amen!!!
Also!!! You are right about Jackie..She should write a book and call it “God is Awesome” and put her beautiful “essays” in that! She truly is..”artist with pen and keyboard”..I can picture a beautiful guestbook in Christian bookstore with her name on it!!!! Amen!!!
Dear Jackie,
Loved what you wrote: ‘to everything a season and seasons only a last a term.at the end of a growing season comes a harvest. at the end of a gloomy winter season always comes spring.’ You have such a beautiful way with words. And such encouragement these words bring. Thanking God for you!
I am growing through a gloomy winter now. Looking ahead to the harvest and the spring. Lord, please be my strength so that i won’t freeze to death before spring arrives.
Dear Fran,
Thank you for sharing ‘Last Second Victories’ with us. It is the reassurance that i needed today. That God will come through for me, and He won’t be a second too late. I just have to wait. Being human, I am impatient, i want to shout and scream ‘when God when? it’s been SO long. I am so tired and feel like i can’t carry on’. Need to remember that God’s time is not our time.
Dear Daddy God, please teach me to quiet my soul and surrender myself and my situation totally to you. Give me the patience to wait on You for the good and perfect plans that you have for me. Amen!
For Maia…
Thank YOU for the wonderful encouragement just now to Laurieanne!..Your testimony on here and words of wisdom a blessing (to all of us, too!).
“Prayers of Agreement” going up for the two sales ..and isn’t that just like the LORD..they were sent by HIM, for sure! As Jackie tells us on here “God is AWESOME”! Thrilled for you!!! Be encouraged by this Praise Report, Laurieanne..and all going through struggles right now1 Prayers lifted at this site are being answered! Jackie saw that in her prayer journal and reported it recently..Thank ALL you prayer warriors here!
And, Jackie! We hope your husband had a good interview today..prayed and know others did, too!
Amen and Amen!
I think it’s hard for me to give up the efforts when I’m not making progress is because I always feel like I need to do something or at least display to people that I’m trying to do something.I guess I think at times that if I don’t know what to do or don’t have the answer , my family will lose confidence in me or be seen as incompitant.growing up I had to ‘prove myself’ since I’m the youngest of 4, all the mistakes that were made by my parents and/or siblings were harbored and projected onto me.I developed alot of determination and drive,as well as self reliance.It was hard for me to trust ,because I was never trusted.I had to learn what trust was, And God has shown me that although it’s hard for me to still trust some people I find it’s alot easier to trust them through God.I know now that I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, God loves me reguardless. I know if things still persist to trouble me,it’s usually my enemy trying to gain ground in my life.Spending time with God whether it be in prayer or worship or in his word, his peace always covers me and quiets my spirit.
Ladies you are in my prayers ,hang on, to everything a season and seasons only a last a term.at the end of a growing season comes a harvest. at the end of a gloomy winter season always comes spring.
this was wrote for me . i have 2 grand kids here now waiting on 2 more to get here then we will be going to church foe wed night survice. seems like i am the only one they can turn to i just keep Prayin and try to turn it all over to Him
sharon
For Dear Laurieanne..
You sure aren’t the “only one”! I posted at yesterday’s devotional today..and was beaten down, but today am up again..and will read soon about precious and VERY WORTHY Laurieanne, too!
I want you to know that HE loves you soooo much..His Holy Spirit stopped me at my threshold on the way out to do needed errands..and told me in spirit to read one more at the blog! SEE?!!!!! Your Abba Daddy with you!! Amen and Amen..and prayers for you and us all going out that door with me right now. The prayers of all the faithful, understanding, overlooking and forgiving women here? They bless me and hold me up, too! You are special and one hard worker..and HE is with you, too! Those verses in Luke are strong and good..and there’s another, too, in Jeremiah 32:17 that we’ve all been clinging to on here “NOTHING is too hard for HIM”!!! Hallelujah. Love you, Laurieanne, and so do all the others at this special spot (((((((Laurieanne)))))))…Remember that all of us have moments like you are experiencing now? And we sure “do” understand!!! :)
To Fran D. and Maia,
Thank you for reminding me of things I already knew, but am I not the only one who “slips” at times of true dispair? It is selfish to curl up in a ball and wallow as I do believe he has his plan for all of us.
Ironically, my life verse is from Luke, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” It has been my life verse for as long as I remember. It speaks to my life.
Having cried, prayed, napped and showered, I feel stronger then earlier today when I pored out my selfish thoughts. I am blessed to have been pointed to this Daily Devotional Newsletter and this site. I just recently was directed here from a very special loving person who was forwarding me the devotionals as they applied to my current situation and depression; knowing I would find comfort and peace in the scriptures and thoughts of Christian woman of all generations, demographics, geographic locations and life situations.
Finding this devotional site and the corresponding support has been a blessing during very difficult weeks. Another Luke verse that comes to me now, “unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones.”
This “deep hole of depression” is a nano-second of time in overall eternity. Thank you for helping me keep this in perspective and dwell on the joy; not the tests & “small matters” along the way.
God Bless all… I feel as though I now have a reason to wake up tomorrow…..to read with you all.
About to run out and do errands..but this thought came as I am getting ready for that.. and think it is for us all today! Our Great Lord was in the wilderness and was tested severely..Of course HE is Savior and Without Sin..But? HE taught us those wonderful words we can deflect the devil’s arrows with.. “It is written”…And gives us the “tools/WORD” to survive these human challenges..HE “understands” our times of testing and our human conditions in them! And?! As we’ve discussed on here many times before..He will make a way in “our” desert, too.. Thank YOU, JESUS, from ALL of us! Isaiah 35:6 so uplifting this day and every day!
Maia…Thank YOU! Beautiful, uplifting posting! Amen!!
For Laurieanne,
“Tie the Knot at end of rope”, dear one, like Jackie who contributes on here taught us! I love that line. Am a mature believer but had a few days here recently in the natural that taught me to “relate” and understand!! Trust me! Don’t give up, dear Laurieanne, and others struggling today..HE is all you need. I posted from my heart on yesterday’s devotional and have been going through such a challenging earthen time had to wait until today “to” do that! HE is faithful..He is there right this minute beside you, patting your back, understanding as NO human on this earth “can” do..HE may have a new and better direction for you, too! That is an encouraging, uplfiting thought even in the midst of your challenges! HE will use those executive talents..You’ll see!
We can’t be “Atlas holding the world up” as in Mythology. I used to be that, too! Today? HE has me back on the upward track and am proud to post and say that and encourage anyone else going through it! Am abiding by some of my own previous words on here! And HIS Word infallible. Hard as it is today (the problems/mountain still here..but the “attitude” from me changing PTL!!! He’ll cause VICTORY in HIS timing. I must wait (Psalm 46:10) and keep my eyes fastened on HIM (Isaiah 26:3). And what I posted yesterday true, too! Instead of “judging” as other humans will always do?!! HE patted me on the back earlier today and spoke in my spirit? “Welcome back, child, I missed you and LOVE YOU just like you are”!!! Amen and Amen!! Hebrews 13:5.
I am so overwhelmed with life in general. Somehow my life took a turn where I find myself responsible for everything, accomplishing nothing, making flaws and errors when I never would before and now losing everything because I cannot function: A Sr. V.P. Job, a Director job, now no job. As the sole supporter of a family this is catastropic. I have lost the respect of my husband, and in turn my little boy who hears everything Daddy says. And sees Mommy in tears breaking down at the stress. I have lost the respect of former colleagues and lost all friends as I was too busy for them when I “had it going on.” Now, deeply humbled, I have no one to turn to. But the Lord. And I feel I am not worthy. I cannot see how to get out this.
My sole feels emptier than my bank account. I have failed over and over this past two years. I prayed for his strength each day, each hour. God forgive me as I don’t sound very devote. I am so frightened and humiliated that, at my age – mid forties, I am at the lowest of lows. I pray for his energy to lift me up and give my life direction and purpose before I destroy a family and a child.
This devotional touched me deeply. But I need to re-read over and over to feel it. The Depression overwhelms even the holiest of inspiration.
Ladies, I am praising God this morning for His perfect timing in this surgery. I didn’t like it when the doctor’s surgery scheduler set up my surgery in June for August 29th. I didn’t want to wait that long and thought it might push my recovery time into the birth time of our first grandchild in October. But, I prayed earnestly during June that “God would pick the time.” So, it was August 29th and nothing I could do about it. I decided to make good use of the time. We had a contract on our house, that didn’t sell, the two previous springs. This spring there was no contract on the house, but my husband had surgery and so spring cleaning was put on hold again. From June-August I spring cleaned this summer. It helped me take my mind off surgery I didn’t want, and helped strengthen my muscles.
July and August we had 3 apartments empty which needed much maintenance which my husband does himself to save money. He needed something to do (after his surgery) and also needed the exercise. Again, God’s perfect timing. Now the apartments are upgraded and rented. Last week, my husband put on his nurses hat (to assist me) and also has time to do laundry, grocery shopping, banking, etc.,…things I ususally do.
- Father God, thank you for being trustworthy so I can humbly and simply surrender myself into your care. You have quieted my soul when I most needed it. You are a wonderful parent, and I love you.
This devotional re-affirmed my surrender of worry that took place about 6 years ago. My husband started police training and I was worried sick about him: “what if he gets shot?, what if this.. what if that..? Lots of unknown kinds of people police deal with daily” I finally gave it to God and have trusted in Him since. Today’s devotional was a nice reminder for that situation and to the other parts of my life.
I was sobbing in the kitchen this morning, crying out to God, cause I feel so overwhelmed. So many family members to help, and nothing to help them with. Bills to pay and nothing to pay them with, not even my husband kind words could comfort me, then I read the Devotional … AWESOME!!!
Thank you for this word today, prayes to you all.
Dear Ladies,
Am posting this website that a friend sent me this morning for today’s devotional there. It is about our Jehoveh Jireh and helped me so much. It is “Last Minute Victories #5388″. May it help any facing a seemingly impossible mountain this day. Luradine is right..we have to climb them with the Lord’s help? But, sometimes we have to realize “HE is our quarterback”, too! Hope this helps someone who needs it today as I did. Love all of you and Prayers with all:
http://awwy.hutchcraft.com/
Hello ladies!
I will be praying for you Gail, as we are experiencing the same struggles that you are, so I know how difficult each day is for you. Just a little while ago, I met with our pastor at church and we were discussing that I need to work on putting all my trust in God to lead me through this time. Dorothy, I like what you do in the mornings before the children get up, I think I’m going to try to do that to begin my day in a more positive way and truly work toward TRUST in God in everything I do!
Blessings to all of you!
Just have to say that I have a much lower threshold for responsibilities than most people. I can feel overwhelmed just by cooking and doing dishes for 2 or 3 days in a row, sometimes (this doesn’t take into account the 30 or so item “To Do” list I carry around in my head all the time though). I need way more help than most people in this area. It is pretty hard to convince anyone that I need help when I produce so little. How do I ask God to take over so much that everybody, including myself, believes I should be able to do unaided? How do I know that I am not just lying to myself about what I am capable of, just so that I can be lazy?
Psalm 46:10!!! Thank you for this devotional, Am like Tracy S and believe HE is still on His throne and can provide for us while HE moves our mountains…and that all the earthen “bombardments” we go through can’t change that mighty FACT..Our Great Father ON HIS THRONE! Dorothy has the right idea..Praise and Praise music, too..That sends the dark one trembling and fleeing! Praying for all and believing while I do! Am picturing us all enfolded under HIS mighty wings this day!That we all have fruitful, productive days no matter our circumstances, too, and that we sit in HIS counsel and “listen”… Prayers with All..Amen and Amen!
What an Awesome God he is? Just the message I needed this morning as I struggled to make sense of what was happening with my son and grandson (single parent-teenager) I needed to be awaken and remember that I needed to place this with the Master and leave it there!
This mornings devotion was awesome. We do have to realize that God orders our steps and will be with us every step of the way. I have had some very difficult situations happen to me and my family over the past several months, beginning with losing my job, and then having a wreck in our car. However I am reminded that God is on the throne and will provide for my family. I have to believe and have faith that Jesus the who died for me can and will move my mountain. Bless each one reading.
This devotion really touched me! What a comfort to know that I am not in charge- that somethings are too great and too wonderful for me to grasp- and that’s OK- God is handling them. His plan is perfect. I can lay my worries at His feet- I can be still and know( I love that song too, Dorothy) Please pray for me that I can remember this as we deal with my husband’s difficult job situation and the everyday concerns of raising a family. Thanks and God Bless!
This quiet time that I spend in the morning before the kids get up is so important. When I need to feel God’s presence – Once song comes to mind more often than not. It’s “Be Still and Know” downloads.walmart.com/swap/LoadAlbumSongList.do?itemId=5500063&highlightItemId=5506288 If you copy this link and click on the stereo icon next to that song title, you can hear a bit of this song. It’s such a blessing. Thank you for this devotion.