Finding God's Presence ~ And My Restless Heart Stilled

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

I lay crumpled beneath my blanket. Still. Worn. Depleted. My spirit sighed with the agony of burdens, with the sorrow of brokenness. In my stillness I silently screamed to the Lord, Oh my God! Help me...help me, Lord.

I opened my eyes to face the window. Dawn burst forth with its glory. Magenta and tangerine ribbons waltzed across the sky proclaiming God's faithfulness. A cardinal's song broke through my silence, bringing remembrance that God is good and worthy to be praised.

From deep in my spirit arose a well-loved psalm. With tears sliding down my cheeks and dripping onto my pillow I spoke these words:

"Oh God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water."

I began to praise my Redeemer, to thank Him for who He is. I thanked Him for His mercy and faithfulness. I thanked Him for His precious Spirit that enfolds me and shelters me in my pain. 

And my restless heart stilled.

Psalm 63 goes on to say, "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name ... When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, because You have been my help. Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me." ~ Psalm 63: 3,4,6-8

The Hebrew word for praise as used in this text is shabach (shah-vahch) meaning, not only to adore or to glory in something, but shabach means to still or to quiet. I love that! In Psalms 65:7 and 89:9, the Lord used shabach to calm the tumultuous seas. In Proverbs 29:11, the word shabach is used to refer to hushing things stirring within someone's heart.

When I choose to give the Lord praise, regardless of my circumstances, His peace settles upon me and calms my fears. Praising Him reminds me who He is and who I am not. Praising Him ushers me into His Presence where I am comforted and sheltered beneath the shadow of His wings. 

Will you praise Him with me? Will you glory in the Lord your God, thanking Him and cherishing His magnificent love? His love never fails. His mercy endures forever. 

I'm learning that when it seems my life has been cast onto a tumultuous sea that threatens to destroy me - I'm learning that if I will but praise the One who tells that sea how far it can go, I will find peace.

My restless heart will be stilled.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

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Tweetables to Encourage Others 

What does praise have to do with it? @NanJonesAuthor shares personal stuff. (Click to Tweet)

When I choose to give God praise, regardless of my circumstances, His peace settles upon me & calms my fears. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page to fill your heart with praise. I'm featuring an oldie, but goodie - "My Redeemer Lives", by Nicole C. Mullen.