Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Place of Rest" for Friday, 11 July 2014 - Read Psalm 131: A Pilgrim Song1 God, I’m not trying to rule the roost,
I don’t want to be king of the mountain.
I haven’t meddled where I have no business
or fantasized grandiose plans.
2 I’ve kept my feet on the ground,
I’ve cultivated a quiet heart.
Like a baby content in its mother’s arms,
my soul is a baby content.
3 Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope.
Hope now; hope always!
The Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, “This is my resting place forever and ever; here I will sit enthroned for I have desired it.”(Psalm 132:13-14 (NIV))
Recently, I visited a friend who lives in an apartment behind a busy open market. The area is chaotic and noisy during the day, and the entrance to her home and stairwell is scruffy and dingy. However, once inside her apartment, I found it to be a lovely haven of rest. She has worked hard to create this sanctuary where she can pray and be at peace. Her home environment reminds me of the contrast between the darkness, chaos, and uncleanness of the world all around us and God’s desire for us to be constantly at rest in the inner sanctuary of our hearts. We too may have to work hard to replace the restless churning activity within our lives with God’s presence. But we can do this by spending time reading the Bible and listening to God’s instructions. If we can persevere, we shall reap a reward and gradually come to know a stillness within that is not easily disturbed by the noise and chaos around us.
The Author: Lydia Carey (Jerusalem, Israel)
Thought for the Day: My spirit can be at peace even in the most unlikely places.
Prayer: O Lord, thank you for giving us your Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. Teach us to rest in your love. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those who live in chaotic environments
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