LIVING IN PEACE WITH OTHERS
March 12, 2020
Prayer: Lord, I ask You to help me be quiet today. I want to be still until I know it is Your time for me to speak. Thank You for guiding me with Your precious Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture: Be silent, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10 NLT
Many times I find myself wishing I had just remained quiet. How often have I opened my mouth only to later discover my size 10.5 foot in it!
The Bible says, and our general collective western wisdom also affirms the truth that, by much speaking, we only hasten the recognition of our lack of understanding. How many times, I have winced when I read the scripture admonition to be ‘slow to speak’ or ‘quick to listen (James 1:19), knowing that exactly the opposite is true of me more often that I wish.
Even in our prayer life, we might make the mistake of babbling on and on about this or that and miss the key elements of that precious prayer relationship that God has in store for us (Matt 6:7). The greatest speech Jesus ever made may have been when He was being challenged and confronted by the Chief Priest on the night of His crucifixion, when He was being spat upon or struck, and He said nothing.
When difficult times come our way, instead of whining and complaining to others, instead of grumbling under our breath and feeding a growing negative attitude, the Psalmist relays God’s better advice. . . ‘be still!’ And, as a result of quieting ourselves before God, we will remember who He is. Then we will remember of what He is capable. Then we will remember that HE IS GOD! Then we can be at peace because we will be able to release all that troubles us and leave it in His very capable hands.
I pray this is true for you this day regardless of what you are facing.
“. . .lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other’s faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united with the Holy Spirit and bind yourselves together with peace” (Eph. 4:1-3)
Copyright Dan Elliott. Email [email protected]