Thursday, June 24, 2010

A Place of Quiet Rest



My friend Beth and I have been meeting together for a few weeks now to discuss a book together: Blessing Your Husband, by Debra Evans. I have really been challenged and encouraged by what I've read and by the discussions and accountability that we've had.

Last night, I read Chapter five, titled "The Blessing of Right Priorities". This chapter deals with the need to find our rest and peace in Christ, which at first thought seems to pertain more the woman, than to her blessing her husband...but on closer examination, this ability to find and keep peace in our hearts affects everyone else we come into contact with: ESPECIALLY our husbands!

I see the desperate need in my own life for this inner peace of Christ in the midst of the stresses and business of everyday life. To be honest, this week I have been quite a grump; struggling with anger and frustration that has often been directed at my children through impatience and an unkind tone of voice. The Lord's truth came at my heart loud and clear as I read this:
Choosing to wait upon the Lord--to surrender our anxieties about the cares of each day to Him as we draw fresh strength from His indwelling Spirit--requires recognizing the one thing Jesus said is needed: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). By continually seeking God's help "in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18), our heart finds rest. Concentrating our heart on the Word of God makes us wise and keeps us focused. The wise woman builds, her house...Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning," noted King Solomon, adding, "The tongue of the wise commends knowledge" (Proverbs 14:1, 33, 15:2).

Taking the time to slow down long enough to talk to God and delight in the joy of His sweet presence--wherever we are, regardless of what we are doing, whether it's doing the dishes or driving tho the store of shuttling the school car pool or preparing for an important meeting--can quiet our heart and mind like nothing else. This is where we find the hidden strength that can never be taken away from us. pg 61

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

I just love these CD's! Both of the verses above came to my mind in song.
Philippians 4:6-7 Psalm 62:1-2 (There's no online free version of this one, but I'm linking to the album it's on...)


3 comments:

Jenia said...

Thank you for sharing this! I think I needed to hear it as well, sounds like my week has been similar to yours! I will pray Phil 4 for you as well as myself!

Liz said...

Sounds like a great book. But I have to ask...is it similar to Debi Pearl's "Created to be His Helpmeet"? I heard rave reviews of that one but hated it myself.

Heather L. said...

Just got this from the library so now I am more anxious to read it.