May 24

The Secret Of The Quiet Heart

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” — Ps 46:10 BSB

“Wait, my daughter,” said Naomi, “until you find out how things go, for he will not rest unless he has resolved the matter today.” — Ruth 3:18 BSB

Paradise has vanished from our world, like a beautiful landscape swept away by a storm. Our human race finds itself in a situation similar to that of Naomi and Ruth—bereft of inheritance and hope. The only barrier standing between us and despair is the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, thank God, we do not have to live in doubt about the future. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth’s estate, we can be confident that Jesus Christ will not rest until this sin-stained and broken world is restored to its original order and beauty, as when the morning stars sang for joy.

Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer, by assuming our nature and becoming the closest and dearest friend of our race. He stooped to die for our redemption, and the fact that He carried our humanity into heaven, where He still wears it, creates an unbreakable bond between us. So, be still—do not fret. He will never fail, nor will He ever forsake us.

Let us seek quietness of heart in prayer. True prayer rises like a fountain from the depths of our soul, but we must leave it to God to answer in His own time and way. We are often impatient, thinking God has not responded. A child may pray for fine weather on their birthday, only for it to rain. Someone might say, “God didn’t answer your prayer,” but the child might reply, “Oh yes, He did! God always answers—He just said ‘No.’” God always answers; He never fails! Be still. If we remain in Him and He abides in us, we can ask what we will, and it will be done. Just as a sound can trigger an avalanche, the prayer of faith moves the power of God.

In times of difficulty, be still! Your enemies may plot against you, laughing at your confidence, but if you’ve heard His voice saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” then trust Him to deal with your foes, no matter where they come from. He is your Rock, and rocks do not move. He is your High Tower, and towers cannot be flooded. You need mercy, and He is full of it. Don’t panic or run around in fear—wait quietly, as Jesus calmed His disciples on the eve of Gethsemane and Calvary. “Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him.” He will not rest until He has completed His work.

Prayer

If today I get lost amid the chaos and demands of life, gracious Lord, seek me out and bring me back into the quiet of Your presence. Amen.