Peace, Be Still: How to Trust God for a Quiet Heart
I need a quiet heart. Thankfully we went away to the sea, first in April, and then again in July.
[fvplayer src=”http://joyletloose.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/The-Sea-1.mp4″ splash=”http://joyletloose.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-22-at-2.52.13-PM.png” width=”1280″ height=”720″]
But since we have been back from our summer vacation, the last two months have been full. Work, writing deadlines, settling in, parenting responsibilities, company, and the new normal of this season have all been positive, but very busy. And as I’ve thought about writing for Joy Let Loose, I’ve simply felt depleted, like I didn’t have many more resources to pour out.
Raging Seas
So when it felt like a raging sea, I needed to remind myself of the gentle waves. I needed to remember my quiet heart. I have looked at the pictures and videos on my phone, and sat out on my patio, staring at our pond. If it weren’t so hot again this afternoon, that’s where I’d be right now! 🙂
I need to drink deeply. And in my rest, these words refresh me:
You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,
O God our savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth,
even those who sail on distant seas.
You formed the mountains by your power
and armed yourself with mighty strength.
You quieted the raging oceans
with their pounding waves
and silenced the shouting of the nations.
Those who live at the ends of the earth
stand in awe of your wonders.
From where the sun rises to where it sets,
you inspire shouts of joy.
(Psalm 65:5-8 NLT)
Peace, Be Still
I am reminded how Jesus rebuked the storm’s waves in Mark 4:39 by saying to it, “Peace! Be still!” And in the times I choose to take moments to pull away from the chaos in my life and mind, it is because I hear Him speak to my heart, “Be still.” It is much like in Psalm 46 when God said, “Be still and know that I am God.”
So much of my life feels simultaneously like catching up and keeping going; like moving forward and dragging from behind. But the Lord calls me to stop striving, and to set apart time to simply rest with Him. He invites me to a quiet heart.
For my own sake, I’m learning this is incredibly important. And for the sake of Joy Let Loose, if I don’t do it, there will be much less joy to share!
(If you made it this far, you may be interested to read about some quiet moments I took by the sea in Nova Scotia, Canada, this summer. I had a chance to share my experience with Annesley Writers last month.)
Pursue a Quiet Heart
In January, I issued to my readers my Morning Joy Challenge. I’d encourage you to take a look, and I’m going to re-visit it in my own life as well. But once the day gets rolling, it may be that we also need a Peace, Be Still invitation. Any time you feel chaotic, or you sense God calling you to step away, please use this resource to help you to be still, and know that He is God.
What Next?
So what next? How do you re-enter the world of storms after taking those precious moments of stillness? Well, I would recommend keeping a journal
Habits take time to form. So, keep the Peace, Be Still resource and a quiet heart journal
Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Anyone who hears should say, “Come!” And the one who is thirsty should come. Whoever desires should take the living water as a gift.
(Rev. 22:17)
Elizabeth Joy
Wanda Killam
September 27, 2017
Beautiful,Elizabeth Joy ,I keep repeating myself ,that what you write is exactly what I need . I just have to raise my head and say,”God ,thank you for loving me so much .” This is a keeper ,just so timely,only God could have known. Love and prayers.
Elizabeth
September 27, 2017
I love how God works like that! Glad this was an encouragement to you too. Bless you today, Wanda.
Jill
September 27, 2017
So true that when we quiet our hearts and minds and bodies long enough and listen, God always speaks, even and often in the silence. Thanks for this reminder and here’s to being still more often!
Elizabeth
September 27, 2017
So much of what I write is stuff I wish I was an expert in. But rather, they are things I need to be reminded of myself. Glad you were encouraged, Jill. 💕
Rachel
September 28, 2017
This is beautiful!
I love when the Lord speaks to our hearts in such a way that grabs our attention.
I wrote an article very similar to this one that is scheduled to post to my blog in the morning. (That’s probably why I was so drawn to this one). 😉
Thanks for sharing!
Elizabeth
September 28, 2017
Thanks for visiting! Sounds like God is calling us both to quiet down. 😊 I’m going to read your article too!
Desiree
September 30, 2017
Thank you so much for sharing. It is in the stillness that I know I seek Him and hear him the best.
Making Joy Contagious
Desiree
Elizabeth
September 30, 2017
It’s a gift, isn’t it? Thanks for visiting, Desiree! I know your blog is all about joy too! 🌸