Dannette's Devotional

Then, because so many people were coming and going 
that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 
"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Mark 6:31

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: 
"In repentance and rest is your salvation, 
in quietness and trust is your strength, 
but you would have none of it.
Isaiah 30:15 

 



God spoke to me in Africa.  Thousands of miles from home, I stood on the
sidelines while the kid magnets in our group of Compassion sponsors played
with 300 energetic children in the hot Ugandan sunshine.  As I wondered what to do, a tiny hand grasped mine.  The young girl wasn't seeking conversation or play; she was content to be near me.  Her touch transcended the barriersof language and culture.  As we held hands and watched the playing children,peace poured over my soul.  I felt God whispering, "Be still, and know that
I am God."

Here at home, it's harder to hear God's voice.  With my overcommitted life,
I spend much more time doing than being.  Long hours at work, too many "to
dos" in my free time, and the magnetic pull of smartphone messages at all
hours make it difficult to find quiet time and hear God's voice.
Francesca Battistelli sings it well: "In the middle of my little mess, I
forget how big I'm blessed..."  

The enemy enjoys distracting us from hearing God's voice.  I am slowly
learning that silence helps quiet my soul and strengthen me for those
distractions. When I remember this truth, I drive for a few minutes without
the radio, put the smartphone away, or simply take a few quiet moments to
bask in God's goodness as I'm walking to my next meeting.  Quiet helps me
remember "how big I'm blessed" and when I focus on God's goodness, life
doesn't seem so messy.

Dannette McKellar