In The Heavenly Places

I received a very special gift during the first raw months as I learned to embrace the thought and reality of Rick's cancer. A year later, I continue to glean from the depth of heart and wisdom in STREAMS IN THE DESERT. This powerful devotional written from Mrs. L.B. Cowman's rich experiences with life still draws me in day to day. It's abundance speaks pure peace. Today, I drink of the well of tranquility In The Heavenly Places.

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ . . . and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." 

Ephesians 2:4-6

This is our rightful place, to be "seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus," and to "sit still" there. But how few there are who make it their actual experience! How few, indeed think even that it is possible for them to "sit still" in these "heavenly places" in the everyday life of a world so full of turmoil as this.

We may believe perhaps that to pay a little visit to these heavenly places on Sundays, or now and then in times of spiritual exaltation, may be within the range of possibility; but to be actually "seated" there every day and all day long is altogether another matter; and yet it is very plain that it is for Sundays and week-days as well.

A quiet spirit is of inestimable value in carrying on outward activities; and nothing so hinders the working of the hidden spiritual forces, upon which, after all, our success in everything really depends, as a spirit of unrest and anxiety.

There is immense power in stillness. A great saint once said, "All things come to him who knows how to trust and be silent." The words are pregnant with meaning. A knowledge of this fact would immensely change our ways of working. Instead of restless struggles, we would "sit down" inwardly before the Lord, and would let the Divine forces of His Spirit work out in silence the ends to which we aspire. You may not see or feel the operations of this silent force, but be assured it is always working mightily, and will work for you, if you only get your spirit still enough to be carried along by the currents of its power.

~Hannah Whitall Smith

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."  

  Isaiah 30:15