A CALM AND QUIET HEART FOR TODAY

As we begin this day, is our heart quiet or is it upset and anxious?  The greatest gift we receive when we turn our will and life over to the care of God is peace of mind and heart.  If anything is causing us to feel irritated or uneasy, God promises that if we ask Him, He will help us sort through the cause of our agitation. 

Lord, I don’t feel proud. I don’t see myself as better than others. I am not thinking about doing great things or reaching impossible goals.  No, right now I am calm and quiet, like a child after nursing, content in its mother’s arms.  Israel, trust in the Lord.  Trust in him now and forever!  (Psalm 131:1-3 ERV)

When we are living in pride, we get restless and dissatisfied.  We think we need to excel and be better than the next person just to feel okay.  We think we need the approval and attention of others to have worth.  The pleasure of living life with God in recovery is, we can simply be the person God created us to be and have our own personality as we use the gifts we have been given.  The result of living this way will be contentment, joy, and peace of mind and heart.

What a wonderful picture the Bible uses to describe this.  A baby doesn't have to do anything to be loved and enjoyed by its mother.  The baby doesn't know how to find food for itself or how to change its own diaper.  It isn’t worried about what it’s going to do to earn a living and provide for its needs.  All it knows is that its mother provides food, care, cuddling, clean clothes, maybe a lullaby, and love that goes deeper than words could ever tell. 

God created us to be the person we are with the talents, gifts, and even the limitations we have.  God knows all about what's going on in our inner world and in our circumstances.  God loves us beyond what words could ever tell and promises He will provide for all our needs.  We can simply come to God and trust Him to be our Abba Father and our provider.  It's not complicated! 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Help me to come close to You and choose to lean on Your strength and wisdom. Help me to trust that together with You all challenges can be faced and I can experience peace and contentment knowing that You love and care for me, and will provide for all my needs.  Amen