August 20, 2021
The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places,
~Isaiah 32:17-18~
In the midst of an impending storm some of us may feel on edge, uneasy or fearful.
If there is one thing we can meditate upon from God's word it is how much He wants for us to trust in His protection over each of us.
"I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
(Psalms 91:2)
It is not His will for us to be crippled in fear or to feel worried. His word speaks against this very boldly. The benefits of righteousness that can only be given by our Lord are numerous and incredible. As we abide in the shadow of the Almighty we begin to find a peace that nobody of this world could find on their own. A peace that allows us to sit and smile while others speak of raging winds and flooding rains that will hit precisly here or there; we will know our God is greater then our feelings or predictions. For when we rest in His will we understand that we can give control over to Him and know that He will provide, protect and work everything out the way He wants. Nothing happens without Father's approval and He controls all things in Creation; "He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain; He brings the wind out of His treasuries."
(Psalms 135:7)
The world will utter words of concern and run around panicked. God's children who have understanding and deep relationship will pray first and not attempt to take control rather allow Him to be in control. He will be regardless of our own choices but we can come along side Him in complete submission resting in His dwelling place of peace in the midst of the storm. Just as Jesus laid His head down on the boat in the midst of a thunderstorm, we can lay back in our homes and trust that our Father will protect us just as He protected His disciples on that boat. Righteousness secures our home, calms our spirits and gives rest to our souls.
"You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3)
Perfect peace, quietness and assurance are the side effects of keeping our mind stayed on the Lord and our heart filled with His Spirit. The trust keeps us from attempting to take control and from fear of the unknown, for each day we walk in faith we will begin to understand there is not one day we know how it is going to be until we are in it. Join me in leaving it to God and counting this day that Hurricane Henri is due to arrive, on sunday the Sabbath day, as a blessing and a day of true rest and trust in Him. We know that no matter what happens in the eye of the storm, God is with us; "Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, For God is with us.”
(Isaiah 8:10)
He will never forsake us, He knows the outcome and has a plan for each and everyone of us for good. Do we trust in Him? It is time to cloak ourselves in that righteousness and rest in His secure dwelling place. The Lord is beautiful and wants nothing more then to have us allow Him to take charge of our lives. Let's take this time "stuck in our homes" to pray like we've have never prayed before, read the word of God and come together as families in Christ declaring His glory upon us.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me peace in the midst of impending storms. I know that no matter what comes my way You are watching over my family. Your will is perfect and even when it seems dim, I can still praise You knowing that good comes from hard times. I trust You Lord. I take this time ahead to rest in Your dwelling place, spiritually aligned and connected to Your security. You are in control and nothing any person says can change that. I am not choosing to fear or panic for I know nothing happens without Your permission. I am blessed to have this time set aside to be alone with You and my family. I praise You for always making sure I take time to rest, even if that means sending a storm to do so. Lead me in how to pray and what to read as I worship with You. Let sunday be according to Your will only, in Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen.