Day 3: Soothed and resting
I have certainly soothed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child resting against his mother, My soul within me is like a weaned child (Psalm 131:2 – New American Standard Bible - NASB).
O Lord, You alone are our hope for now and for ever; You alone are our strength and our shield (Psalm 28:7) — the sure foundation for our times (Isaiah 33:6).
Remind us, so that our feet do not slip. Many are around us that say, "I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil" (Job 3:26). Even the mighty are dismayed, for they have heard bad news. They are disheartened, troubled like the restless sea (Jeremiah 49:23).
But help us to pray like the psalmist, My eyes are fixed on You, Sovereign Lord; in You I take refuge… (Psalm 141:8). You reassure us with Your promise:
Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear… (Psalm 112:6-8).
Lord, much that affects us is outside our influence or control. May we be content to rest in the One who is in control and say like the psalmist, I do not concern myself with... things that are beyond me. Indeed, I have calmed and quieted myself like a weaned child with its mother; I am content like a young child (Psalm 131:1-2 - New English Translation - NET).
We entrust to You our lives and our times. They are Yours anyway. We entrust to You our families, our friends, our circles, our communities, our nations, our world. We entrust to You the cares, concerns, and troubles of our brothers and sisters, because we are their keepers. We entrust to You the wrongs and injustices around us, knowing that You will call oppressors to account, and vindicate the needy, the wronged, and the afflicted.
In every regard, help us to do our part to fulfill the tasks, duties, responsibilities, and obligations we are called to, with wisdom, integrity, compassion, courage, care, and diligence. Keep us focused, soothed, and quiet as we pray in trust and surrender:
Truly, my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken... Yes my soul find rest in God; my hope comes from Him (Psalm 62:1-2, 5).
There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.
~ Cleland B. McAfee ~ 1903
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