Sunday, September 25, 2022

HE Giveth Quietness

Job 34:29  When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:

He giveth quietness.

He gives quietness in the midst of the raging storm. 

As we sail the lake with Him, reaching deep water and far from land, suddenly, under the midnight sky, a mighty storm sweeps down.

Earth and hell seem mobilized against us, and each wave threatens to overwhelm our boat. 

Then He rises from His sleep and Rebukes the wind and the waves. 

He waves His hand, signaling the End of the raging tempest and the Beginning of the restful calm. 

His voice is heard above the screaming of the wind through the ropes and rigging, and over the thrashing of the waves. 

Quiet! Be still! 

Mark 4:39  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Can you not hear it? 

And instantly there is a Great Calm.

He giveth quietness...

Quietness even in the midst of losing our inner strength and comforts...

Sometimes He removes these because we make too much of them.

We are tempted to look at our joys, pleasures, passions, or our dreams, with too much self-satisfaction.

Then through His gracious love He withdraws them, leading us to distinguish between them and Himself. 

He draws near and whispers the assurance of His presence, bringing an infinite calm to keep our hearts and minds.

He giveth quietness...

He giveth quietness. O Elder Brother, Whose homeless feet have pressed our path of pain...

Whose hands have borne the burden of our sorrow, That in our losses we might find our gain.

Of all Your gifts and infinite consolations, I ask but this...

In every troubled hour To hear Your voice through all the tumults stealing, And rest serene beneath its tranquil power.

Cares cannot fret me if my soul be dwelling In the still air of faith’s untroubled day...

Grief cannot shake me if I walk beside You, My hand in Yours along the darkening way.

Content to know there comes a radiant morning When from all shadows I will find Release...

Serene to wait its dawning...

Who can make trouble when You send me peace?

Saturday, September 17, 2022

Sanctified Troubles

Sanctified Troubles Are Some Of Our Greatest Blessings... 

And one of their blessed fruits is that they keep us from settling on our lees and being at ease in Zion. 

Careless, Worldly-minded, Proud, Covetous Professors, sunk in Carnality and Death...
 
Where Is There Ever A Cry In Their Soul?
 
They may have a formal prayer-a morning prayer, an evening prayer, a family prayer, and all as round as a ball, and as cold as ice. 
 
Stiff and frozen in Carnality they are ice themselves, and they bring their ice with them wherever they come.
 
But God does not allow his people to go on in this cold, lifeless, frozen, icy way, with mere formal devotion, lip service...
 
And prayers worn out like an old shoe with long and continual treading.
 
He sends Afflictions, Trials, and Troubles upon them...
 
Takes them Into The Wilderness...
 
Exercises them well in the Path Of Tribulation...
 
And Supporting them under it, raises up a Cry which He Is Sure To Hear.
 
~J. C. Philpot~