A few months ago I read a book called Come to the Quiet: The Secrets of Solitude and Rest by Elizabeth George. In it Ruth Graham and Gigi Graham Tchividjian are quoted as saying that “serenity is that inner peace that comes with the certainties of knowing in whom you believe, what you believe, who you are and where you’re going.” They insist that this “quiet knowing only comes through a personal relationship and intimacy with God through Jesus Christ.” (This quote comes from their book, A Quiet Knowing.)
What do you know for sure? What are you certain about? Your answers to these questions will either cause you to worry (mostly about what you cannot control, anyway) or to sleep peacefully at night!
I did not sleep well last night. My mind was full of what had happened during the day, both good and challenging, and it was only as I started releasing each distressing item to God that I was able to fall asleep.
Today I was reminded of the fact that it’s very easy to forget the God who tells me to “be still and know”. My mind can be like that rocking boat that held Jesus and the disciples on the Sea of Galilee; Jesus slept peacefully, but the disciples were too focused on the wind and waves. Jesus said, “Be still!” to the wind and waves, but he also wants to tell our hearts to “be still and know that he is God” no matter how badly our boat rocks!
Father God, you have said that you will be exalted both in the nations and in the earth. Please help me to believe this, especially when life is turbulent and I cannot sleep. Help me to come to the quiet and rest that I need so much! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Throughout the Day: Answer these questions: In whom do you believe (trust)? What do you believe (trust in)? Who are you? Where are you going? Ask God to speak to you as you wait quietly for him, and allow him to calm your storm.