Psalm 130
Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
Lord, listen to my voice;
let your ears be attentive
to my cry for help.
Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that you may be revered.
I wait for the Lord; I wait
and put my hope in his word.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning—
more than watchmen for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord.
For there is faithful love with the Lord,
and with him is redemption in abundance.
And he will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
Stillness. It’s a place where I’m alone with my thoughts and the Lord. It’s a place my soul is learning to rest. Getting here has been a gradual journey. Some days my introverted side loves the quiet; other days the extrovert in me wants a community with hearts most like mine. At the core of stillness is surrender. So I press in, soaking up the truths that He makes me aware of.
Most recently, the stillness finds me at my middle son’s hospital bedside. Sickness has a way of bringing life to a halt. So I surrender my thoughts and plans for this time—to wait, to focus, to listen, and to rest in God’s unwavering faithfulness.
My son’s illness didn’t catch the Lord by surprise. With every detail or event that the Lord allows to touch my day I linger, waiting to hear His voice. In the quiet, He reminds me of a few simple constants that my heavy heart needs to recall.
1. When life takes a curve, rendering you helpless and powerless, know that He is fighting for you and stands guard over every overwhelming detail. “The Lord will fight for you, and you must be quiet” (Exodus 14:14).
2. When you are tempted to worry, pray instead. “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
3. Hold tight to your faith because He’s with you always. “Jesus replied to them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours” (Mark 11:22-24).
Sometimes these things are easier said than done, especially when fear creeps in. But though we go through life’s trials, God never deserts us. In fact, He willingly laid down His life for us. For all the brokenness, the mistakes, the hurts, the barren places, and for every inadequacy we feel, His sacrifice covers it all. It’s in the stillness I remember that one day I’ll see His face, and all the longings in this patched-up heart will become obsolete. He will fill in all the cracks of my soul with a love that completely fulfills. I’ll be whole. What a comfort. What a faithful Savior.
So when you find yourself in a place where you’re forced to be alone with your thoughts, it’s a good place to be. For it’s there, in the stillness, we hear the Lord.
This devotion is by Melanie Davis Porter, as published in the (in)courage Devotional Bible. It has been edited from its original form.
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On Saturdays this summer, we’re sharing our favorite Psalms + select devotions from the (in)courage Devotional Bible. We’re loving our summer Saturdays (in) the Psalms with you!
Leave a Comment
Sarla Williams, Sri Lanka says
Dear Melanie
This is truly spot on and beautiful. Just forwarded it to my two prayer partners. For me lately I’ve heard a still small voice say ” Wait patiently”, ” Stop striving ” & ” Simply trust Me”
Your beautiful article starting with Ps 130 spoke directly to my heart & being . Thank you so much .
Jean Cooper says
Thank you. Very helpful today.
d from Canada says
Thank you Melanie!
Such great encouragement & wonderful reminder.
Blessings
arian says
“…all the longings in this patched-up heart..” ooooh. i LOVE this phrasing. 🙂
Claudia Batke says
Love this too!
Kathy Francescon says
Beautiful words of comfort, that my lonely heart needed to hear. Thank You.
Julie says
it fits perfectly.
J says
I pray & believe my families brokeness will be healed in His time
Amelinda Casias says
This reading encouraged me today that even though my impatience sometimes demand relief and peace, I know in the stillness and with a quiet heart that Jesus wants me to sit with Him and learn from Him in what He needs to teach me.
Becky L says
This has touched my heart with what we’re going through right now. The scripture verses were good for me. I am thankful that God loves us through life.
Claudia Batke says
I love this! And love the Psalm! I live alone and stillness is a big part of my life. Lately I’ve been struggling with my devotional time. Distractions! Ughh! This was very encouraging to me! Thank you!
Cecile says
Be still and know that I am God……..stillness quiets and calms the spirit…….stillness refreshes and revives the soul. Thank you for this powerful and uplifting devotion! It has blessed me greatly!
Beth Williams says
Melanie,
Life has thrown me may curve balls. Each time I prayed hard & clung to God. Last fall my job changed suddenly to one I don’t like. My emotions got the best of me & I wasn’t happy with myself. Realized that I had prayed for a better job-one with benefits. God answered with this one. We must remember that God’s answers aren’t always what we want but what is best for us. His ways are higher & better than we could ever imagine.
Blessings 🙂