03/07/2024
This morning our devotional message is on the very subject of devotion. E.M. Bounds referred to it as "the spirit of reverence and Godly fear." He then spoke about an attribute of devotion that is very familiar to us when he said, "devotion dwells in the realm of quietness and is still before God. It is thoughtful, serious and meditative." There is a wonderful scripture that I have hanging on my closet door. I read it every morning as I prepare for my day, and every evening as I prepare to retire; it is Psalm 46:10.
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalms 46:10 KJV
There is something incredibly settling about prayer in general, but especially those prayers offered in quiet solitude. This time of being still when we speak with God is a time of devotion that calms our spirits and draws us near to Him in a way that none other can. Not having to shout above the roar of daily life allows us to hear Him clearly... Even as a soft whisper calms a baby, His small still voice calms us; “Shhhh, hush now, and know that I am God”.
I recommend that everyone begin their days in devotion, still, quiet, and prayerful. It is in this peaceful time of quiet togetherness when God's Holy Spirit gently settles over us and speaks to our very souls. This is a holy moment, one that is set aside for just the two of us, and in the midst of this calm we can feel His breath upon us.
I thank God for the moments when He pulls us aside to a quiet room and speaks with us. In these places we can have a conversation without distraction or competition; it is a time of great devotion. I am always reminded of Elijah in the cave during these meetings, and I can’t wait to hear his voice, His coming, and to feel His presence.
“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?”
1 Kings 19:11-13 KJV
In these times of quiet devotion when all is calm around us, and in us, God will ask why we have come, and at that moment... our daily conversation with Him begins anew.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for these times of quiet when my spirit can rest with yours, and feel your calm and peace as it settles over me. Thank you for whispering to me as you ask me what is on my mind, and thank you for the stillness that comes as you wait patiently for me to respond. I thank you Holy Father for the feeling of your presence that engulfs me like a warm embrace as I tell you of my joys, fears, anguish, and elation. Each day is different but the one thing that remains the same is that you are with me, hear me, join with me, and answer me. Thank you Abba for the scripture that your Holy Spirit brings to my remembrance, and the glimpse of your character it brings as I settle into who you are. This is the moment that begins my daily devotion, and my morning prayer. This is the moment that begins my waking hours and I am comforted by you. This is the moment when I begin anew my day of continuous prayer. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who was, and is, and is to come. Praised be your name always, and may I bask in your sweet repose all the days of my life. Hear my prayers as the sun rises Father, and feel the love, and adoration in them. Calm me today, and feel the trust and expectation in my voice as I softly speak, or moan, my needs, confessions, and thanksgiving to you. Open my heart, my eyes, and my ears, to your will as you answer me Father, and give me the courage that you once gave Elijah so that I too can be obedient to you.
Pour the blood of Christ over me Lord so that in Him I might be washed clean of my sins, and be pleasing to you as you once said that Jesus was pleasing to you. Let your grace cover me like a warm oil, and heal me of the world’s wounds like a salve and ointment. In all things let me obey you, so that on the day of my judgement I will be known as your child, and find the restful peace I now experience in my times of morning devotion for all eternity. You have spoken this, your promise of my eternity with you, and I have heard it. Help me now to be worthy of it, to trust in it this day, and forevermore. In this I praise your name, glorify you, worship you, and give you all the glory of my salvation. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah… you are my great God, my Father, my Abba, and my friend, in whom I am devoted now and always. Amen
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Rich Forbes