Blessed Quietness Blog

"I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I don't like this. I need to Trust God."  The Dilemma: This comment was made in a conversation I had with an individual who was wrestling with her emotions and their rightful place as she determined to trust God in the midst of uncertain circumstances. The statement that she made carries with it an unspoken but very real assumption that I think many of us believe.   The Question: Am I really trusting God if I am experiencing pain, sorrow, feelings of fear, loneliness, (fill in the blank)? Shouldn't all of these feelings disappear if I am truly trusting God? His Eye is on the Sparrow ~ And I know He watches Me! photo credit: Infomastern via photopin cc   His Response: In Luke 22:41-44 we encounter Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed,  saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this c

Are you hemmed in ? The Lord impressed upon my heart the need to focus on trust and to invite others to come with me on the journey. Many of you decided to join me and we are definitely in this together, but it is not easy! Mt. 11:28 I will give you rest. photo credit: Sergiu Bacioiu via photopin cc   My Struggle: This week presented some interesting and intriguing challenges for which I do not have a solution or an answer. I am "hemmed in" and quite honestly, this is not what I would choose. It is during these times of being "hemmed in" that I struggle and squirm and hold on for dear life. In a sense, I am grasping for more certainty and stability, and less of the awkward and uncomfortable situation(s) where I find myself. The Recognition: My only choice is to seek the help, guidance, and provision of the One who loves me gave Himself for me. Psalm 139:5 says,  You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. In this Sc

There is an element of trust that many of us have a tendency to forget. It is very easy to overlook this divine command and become all-consumed by the desperate situation in which we find ourselves. If we look at Philippians 4:6-7 again there are two words that too often escape our thinking: With Thanksgiving   Be anxious for nothing,  but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving   let your requests be made known to God.   And the peace of God, which surpasses all  comprehension,  will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. photo credit: marynbtol via photopin cc It was just this past week that I had a conversation with a friend and mentor about the value of thanksgiving in the life of the believer. Thanksgiving in the midst of our struggle to trust, in the midst of our fear and uncertainty, provides the stability and security we desire. Thanksgiving points us to Christ and helps us to recognize His authority and sovereignty in ev

Join me for 40 Days of Trust . It was recently brought to my attention that many are going through a rough 2014 already and encountering situations that almost demand that we increase our level of trust in the One who is most trustworthy. Maybe you have endured incredible loss in this New Year or quite possibly you are facing a situation that is beyond your capability to control or handle. 40 Day Journey of Trust photo credit: joiseyshowaa via photopin cc During the next 40 Days we will focus on God and Who He is and put our requests and concerns before Him. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God . And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7  Next, pick a Scripture that causes you to focus on the character of God and His work.  Here are some ideas for you: Jeremiah 10:12 Psalm 46:1 Psal

Simply trusting every day; Trusting through a stormy way; Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all. This hymn has been a favorite of mine from when I was a little girl.  I've been singing these words for many years. However, I don't think I am alone in saying that trusting is not always easy for us. It is so simple but yet, we struggle with the application of this concept in our daily walk. All of us at one point or another endure fear, anxiety, worry, pain, sorrow, and many times loss. To trust Jesus implies an amount of uncertainty on our part. And further, it requires us to acknowledge this uncertainty and recognize the profound joy that is ours when we Trust Jesus -- where we are comfortable enough with our own uncertainties to rely on the One who sees and knows all. But how do we get to the point where we " Simply Trust "? Trusting Jesus involves the heart and the mind. And He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your

Our thoughts are many and they are frequent.  We engage in various types of thinking throughout the day. Thoughts of the morning rush:   How am I going to pay this creditor today? Can my child not get out of bed on time at least one day this year? I wonder if my boss will approve of my presentation. I really need the promotion and the raise to go with it. I hope no one else takes credit for my work today.   Thoughts of the midday: I must leave work by 5pm to get the kids from daycare and not be charged for extra time. Wait, what are we having for dinner tonight? I don't think I can keep up this diet any longer. I wish she would stop bombarding us with her jewelry catalogs at lunch every day. How can I advance at work and get my boss to notice me? Maybe I'll stay late tonight and really put forth an effort.   Thoughts of the evening: Figured out dinner, now I need to get all the lunches ready for tomorrow. Maybe I'll just give the kids money and they can buy their lun