I am sitting on the porch. The yard is mowed and pleasant to look at. However, the wind is blowing hard. There are a few birds who have nests at each end of the porch. They are busy about their nests in spite of the wind. The sky is hazy and…Well, this is just not my favorite type of day. So, I sit quietly and just listen. Listen for the birds. The constant ringing of my wind chimes. It is when I get quiet in a noisy world that I truly notice things I miss. In the distance is a fading patch of painted daisy wildflowers. The tall grass behind them is bending back and forth tossed by unrelenting wind but the wildflower patch sits quietly. Nestled right there in its wake.
The rustling of wind through the trees makes it hard to hear the birds chirping. It drowns their voices out. The world tries to drown out the voice of goodness…If we let it.
Lord, what would You have me learn in this quiet time in the midst of this noisy, unsettling, irritating, porch sitting moment? I wait…
Kate, the world will always make a lot of noise around you. It will try to distract you from the things I want you to absorb. The world will attempt to drown out and dilute the words I want you to hear. It will try in desperation to block My presence in your days. It will try to make you think that there is nothing good or safe outside your door. But, if you will be still I will guide you to the stories of goodness scattered all over the world. I will show you people who love and care for all people, because they are the salt and light of Jesus. They are like the wildflower patch. The world swirls all around them bending and tossing things to and fro. Yet, godly goodness goes quietly about its business, unmoved by the evil swirling around it. They are unmoved by the constant push and pull of the world. They are not anxious about their survival because they are steadied by My peace. They are comforted because I shield them with My right hand and shelter them beneath My wings. So when the raging winds come…And they always do…They will carry on with love, mercy and grace. Unafraid, because I am with them always.
Scripture
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 NIV
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by the wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming Ephesians 4:14 NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Prayer
Hello Father, thank You for Your words of promise and comfort. The whirlwinds of this world try hard to distract us from experiencing Your peace and goodness. The tool of the enemy to keep us in a state of uncertainty and chaos as those who have yet to find hope in You. May we sit still and listen for what You would have us hear. May we hear Your whispers of calm and goodness in the midst of our trying days. In Jesus’ name. Amen
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