How to calm and quiet your soul

 Psalm 131:1–3 (ESV):  

1  O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; 

my eyes are not raised too high; 

  I do not occupy myself with things 

too great and too marvellous for me. 

 2  But I have calmed and quieted my soul, 

like a weaned child with its mother; 

like a weaned child is my soul within me. 

 3  O Israel, hope in the Lord 

from this time forth and forevermore. 

There is a time to look to the hills for your help, a time to rally, a time to mourn and be jubilant, and there is a time to quiet your soul. 

When there are times of great celebration, confusion or concern, it is good to ‘not occupy myself with things too great and too marvellous for me’. Instead of worrying, trying to think things through or make sense of matters, the best thing is to to run to God as a small child would run to their Mum. When a child is distressed, confused or scared, they seek comfort in the presence of their mother. They often don’t even need to say anything. They just know that their emotions and soul are not ok, so they seek the stability and comfort of their parent. Knowing that being in their presence and resting in their bigness, capability and love is enough to settle them, They will get the calm and quiet that they need when they go to Mum. So, as a child of God, do you run to Him when you are dysregulated? Do you seek and sit in His presence? Knowing that He is big enough to handle all of your dysregulation, confusion, tears and panic? God can bring quiet and calm to your soul, as a Mum does for her child, are you letting Him? 

Unless you go to God and spend time with Him, remembering who He is, you will will not gain the calm and quiet that your soul desires. Spending time considering who God is, and who you are in His eyes stops your head from whirling with a million thoughts,  ideas and worries. You can just simply sit with Him. His presence is enough to cause the things that are 'too great and too marvellous' to stop seeming so incredible. You can spend time with God in a number of ways; reading The Word, listening to worship, praying, or just being still and appreciating whose presence you are in. Even without saying anything, God can still your heart and your soul, equipping you, comforting you and strengthening you. The psalmist learnt that they could run to God and sit with Him in this way. They must have been in a situation that seemed overwhelming, and so they considered themself like a small child, dependent upon it’s mother. The presence of the parent providing certainty, safety and security for their child. When an unexpected event happens that can cause a child to fear, the child instinctively looks to their parent. They watch their reaction, and base their response and level of safety on them. You can do the same with God. When you face an unexpected situation, and feel uncomfortable and afraid, look to your Father in Heaven. Where is He, and what is His response? Take strength, hope and peace in His steadfastness and presence, and your soul will be quieted. Like a child, you can trust in the actions and reactions of your Almighty Father. 

The writer of this psalm, David had learnt to ‘not occupy myself with things too great and marvellous for me’. That’s a big statement coming from the king of a nation! He had huge things to consider and mighty problems to solve and important relationships to serve. Yet he knew that there were things, whether to do with the nation or his everyday life that unsettled him. So, he learnt to go to God and be with Him. Just resting in God's presence and trusting that He had things figured out, and could keep David safe. For you, there will also be things in this life that will not make sense; people, situations, relationships, work problems, world issues - they are too big and incredible for you to fathom and they can bring a feeling of uncertainty and fear. David’s recommendation to you, is to not spend time trying to resolve these things in your mind or try to understand them, but spend time with God. God will be with you through it all and will bring you in close. He can only do that when you stop running about and fretting. So, look for, run to, and rest with your loving and steadfast Father. He will strengthen and guide you so that your soul can become quiet and calm. 

Dwelling Place

 Psalm 90: 1-17 (ESV):

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 

 2  Before the mountains were brought forth, 

or ever you had formed the earth and the world, 

from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 

 3  You return man to dust 

and say, “Return, O children of man!” 

 4  For a thousand years in your sight 

are but as yesterday when it is past, 

or as a watch in the night. 

 5  You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, 

like grass that is renewed in the morning: 

 6  in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; 

in the evening it fades and withers. 

 7  For we are brought to an end by your anger; 

by your wrath we are dismayed. 

 8  You have set our iniquities before you, 

our secret sins in the light of your presence. 

 9  For all our days pass away under your wrath; 

we bring our years to an end like a sigh. 

 10  The years of our life are seventy, 

or even by reason of strength eighty; 

  yet their span is but toil and trouble; 

they are soon gone, and we fly away. 

 11  Who considers the power of your anger, 

and your wrath according to the fear of you? 

 12  So teach us to number our days 

that we may get a heart of wisdom. 

 13  Return, O Lord! How long? 

Have pity on your servants! 

 14  Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, 

that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 

 15  Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, 

and for as many years as we have seen evil. 

 16  Let your work be shown to your servants, 

and your glorious power to their children. 

 17  Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us, 

and establish the work of our hands upon us; 

yes, establish the work of our hands! 

God, ‘our dwelling place in all generations’. What a powerful concept to consider. Eternal, consistent, comfortable, accessible, strong, inviting, restful, every day. These are some of the things i think about when i think about God being our dwelling place. The writer of this psalm, Moses, had experienced a lot in his life and he knew the power of God being his dwelling place. He grew up in a palace, made a life and got married in Midian, returned to Egypt, then lived in a desert for the rest of his days. Yet throughout these different experiences and locations he knew the security and constancy of the ‘dwelling place’ of God. This was his security and constancy. He knew that no matter what happened or wherever he lived, he dwelt with God. The God who had been faithful through every triumph and trial in every previous generation and proceeding one. Moses knew the truth that God could even be your ‘dwelling place’ when you have no place to call home. God is the same today. He is just as; accessible, strong, welcoming, eternal and restful today as he was yesterday, thousands of years ago and in thousands of years to come. This psalm was probably written 3,400 years ago,  isn't it wonderful to see that God hasn’t changed! You can learn from this ancient scripture just as if it was written a few hours ago in your home town, in your own language, culture and context because the nature of God, ‘our dwelling place’ is eternally consistent. 

Man has not changed either. We came from dust, and to dust we will return (v3), our lives are but a moment, ‘like a dream’ (v5) and we go wrong (v8). That was true at the beginning of time, in Moses era and still is today. In comparison to God, we are momentary, of little significance and sinful. We have obvious and ‘secret sins’ none of which are hidden from God. In fact all are brought, ‘in the light of your presence’. Can you even begin to understand that?! All the things you do, say or think that no-one knows about, and the jealousy, anger and fear that you harbour is all set before God as clear as day. Yet, He still loves you and is your dwelling place! Even though you are but dust, your life like a sigh and you are not very good - God desires that you know the security and love of abiding in Him. He is your dwelling place. You can live your life, as Moses did, understanding that wherever you are or are up to, you can live your life with God always and everywhere. It does not matter what journeys you take, the twists and turns, ups and downs, God remains secure. You can dwell with Him.

Your life is not as long as you think it is. God considers your life ‘like a dream’, momentary and fleeting. Moses acknowledges this brevity and asks that God would, ‘teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom’. That is pretty powerful. For if you can learn that each day is a gift from God, and that one day there will be no more days, how different would you live? Would you hold onto resentment, pain, anger, fear or disappointment? Or would you live with the knowledge that ‘This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it’ (Psalm 118:24)? Learning to number your days can make you incredibly grateful for each one, as well as recognising that you are dependent upon God for every breath, and the hope you have for tomorrow. It is good to remember that your life is finite, and short like the grass. What would you live for, what would you do and who would you spend your time with if you knew you only had a little time left? Because you do. It really does matter what choices you make today for one day your dream-like life will end and there will be no more time, no more breaths to do or say the things you need to. 

Do not live afraid though at this brevity of life. For God is still your dwelling place and He can, ‘make us glad for as many days as you (God) have afflicted us’. God can bring you peace and joy in the life you do have, for as many days as He has ordained for you. Maybe some of that peace comes from recognising that life is short, and that God has ordained each day. Therefore any difficulties you face are only temporary, yet your dwelling with God is for eternity. You can have hope and joy today because God made today, and today isn’t the end of the story for there will be a tomorrow. 

The psalm concludes by asking God to allow His people see His work, and for Him to bless their work. It is good for you to see God’s work as it is encouraging and motivating to see the awesome things He does. It inspires and builds faith. It is easy to forget what God has done as life goes on and memories fade, so it is ok to ask God to remind you of what He is doing. God works in many ways; internally and externally and you can ask that God, ‘Let your work be shown to your servants’. You may see signs, wonders and miracles, breakthroughs, quiet internal revelation or something else. Allow yourself to see that God is working so that you can be inspired to fulfil your own work. For just as God works, so too you are expected to work. It doesn’t matter what type of work it is whether it is; working at home, studying, in the community or through having a job. Whatever your work looks like, you  are fulfilling something of your purpose as you actively contribute. Whether you like what you have been tasked to do or not, ask God to, ‘establish the work of our hands’. Ask for His help, strength and guidance so that you grow and make a positive contribution. Consider both the work of God and your own work, what is God showing you?  Work can be difficult, rewarding, time-consuming, boring and valuable, sometimes all at the same time. This is partly why you need to see where God’s is working, so that you can see what your duty is and follow Him in it. God has designed you to work, so do it well for you are demonstrating something of who He is through it. Even in this little life, no matter how short it is, you have a purpose, hope and a future. God is your dwelling place forever and He can establish the work of your hands right now - are you trusting Him to?

Emotional and Physical health

As we read chapters 7 and 8, we see the insight that Daniel is given into activities that will take place on the Earth - the setting up and tearing down of kings and kingdoms and we are told that Daniel was physically and emotionally effected by what he experienced.

This man of God, Daniel, who sought to honour and obey God at every opportunity, who prayed and fasted, searched the scriptures and heard from God - this man was sometimes overwhelmed and worried! Many of us probably question if we would go through what he did, this amazing man of faith. yet he still had emotions he found hard to handle. We can see this in these two verses;

As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my colour changed, but I kept the matter in my heart.”

Daniel 7:28.

'I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king’s business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it.'

Daniel 8:27.

I do not know about you, but this gives me great hope and encouragement! 

Like Daniel, I too wish to follow God, be obedient and seek to know God better, but I too feel sick, lose sleep, worry and feel overwhelmed and confused at times. Don't you? 

These verses show me that it is ok to not be ok at times. It is ok to admit how you are really feeling - to yourself and others. Daniel was not afraid to admit it - he even documented it and thousands of years later we are reading it! 

Daniel processed his emotions in different ways at different times, we see from 7:28 that Daniel did keep some things ‘in his heart’. He wasn’t quite sure what God was showing him, but he did write it down and take time to process it. Daniel needed to accept and acknowledge his emotional and physical reaction to what was going on - we need to do the same. It means taking time to reflect and consider our responses to what is happening in life and what God is showing us. Daniel kept the matter to himself, but he still dealt with it by thinking about it and writing it down. Some other ways to do this may be turning the TV off for a while to reflect, use commuting time to think through the events of the day and how you feel about it, ask yourself how you are before you ask anyone else. Personal reflection helps us to be in tune with ourselves and aids us in processing the emotions we do not like feeling and figuring out why we are having them, we can then work out what we need to do about it. 

In the second of these verses Daniel seems to have been so overcome and unwell that he needed time off. Daniel did not deny how he felt, or try to keep on going, he realised that his emotions and body were effected by what was occurring in his life, he needed some rest and restoration time so he took it.. It is good to have a break, a change, a rest. Do not make excuses about it - it is healthy to acknowledge your emotional responses. When life is too much, when you are appalled, overwhelmed or shocked by what is happening, taking time to acknowledge and accept your emotional responses is a good thing to do. It benefitted Daniel, he had some time off then he was able to re-focus and return to work. It does not mean the problems were all resolved or that he was happy again, it just shows that he was able to reframe, reflect and begin to restore.

In order for Daniel to have been able to have break like he did in 8:27, he must have told someone about it - he worked for the king, so he couldn’t just disappear for a few days - he must have told someone that he was not ok and could not work. That is important too. When you are not emotionally and physically well, you can share your burdens with others. They will probably not be able to fix it or even help you feel better, but if you trust faith-filled family and friends with how you are doing, they can love, support and pray with you. We know that Daniel had trusted faith-filled friends in his life. They all relied on each other as they all faced significant trials. Daniel did not need to go through this alone, and nor do you. 

What do you when you experience things that cause you to feel; sick, overcome, alarmed or appalled?

If you are going through a time in life that is causing you distress, what are you doing about your emotional and physical health? 

You may need some personal reflection time, some time off or to reveal your heart with friends of faith. We cannot handle all of life’s trials ourselves, and it is no surprise that we feel overcome at times, the question is, what do you do about it, and where do you see God in it? 

Difficult life events are not a demonstration of your lack of faith. Daniel certainly was not a man who lacked faith! Having an emotional or physical response to something simply shows that you are human. We often cannot change what is going on around us, but we can accept how we are responding to it and trust God in it as Daniel did.

what's your everyday focus?

‘when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) *12*he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.’
Hebrews 9:11-12

The new era of Christ means that now, believers in the One true God have; good things, a greater and more perfect form of worship and relationship as well as 'eternal redemption'! Wow!

So, what have we to really be worried about?! Do you, like me, ever get caught up with the trivial worries of this world? In light of the verses above, any concerns we have on Earth don’t really compare, do they? I know things in this world are important, but should they be most important?

Can you imagine if you lived more of your life considering the ‘greater and more perfect’ life Jesus got for you, how your life would be? What concerns would you be free of? What responsibilities would you lay down? How much of your workload would you take home? How much time would you spend in front of the TV or out shopping?

If you believe in God today, and recognise that Jesus is the only way you can be free from sin, if you know that and are determined to live your life with him in it, then do you realise who have ‘an eternal redemption’?
An incredible gift has been given to you, one that will never run out, wear away or go obsolete, it is an everlasting salvation. So, how much time are you paying attention to that in your everyday life? Everything else that consumes our time; work, hobbies, people, expectation, houses, gadgets, even this very bodies, these things will all fade away and die. They will all end, yet we are given something that is more perfect and greater than all these things that will last beyond our earthly years. We are promised complete and utter release from sin. Forever.

How much time do you spend considering this? How often do you even stop to appreciate this absolution from sin?

Jesus has brought your freedom. His own blood was spilled so you can be redeemed. It is an eternal, never-ending, everlasting, continual, redemption. Anything you’ve ever done wrong is covered, anything you’re doing wrong right now is covered, anything you’ll do in the future is covered.

You have an eternal inheritance that you can start enjoying now. If you live in the knowledge of your ‘eternal redemption’ everyday, imagine what your life would be like….

Entering the throne room

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace.
Esther 5:1.

Can you imagine how that felt?

You have agreed to come to this vital moment. The past few days have been a distressing, scary, vulnerable preparation for this moment. You have worried, prayed and come to no other conclusion that your fate relies on the goodness and kindness of an immoral, corrupt king. But it is not only your fate that hangs in the balance, but that of those you dearly love as well as many other thousands of lives.

You are aware that it is all now down to whether the sceptre of acceptance is held out towards you. The slight motion of the royal hand determines whether you live or die. Standing in the doorway, certain of what you must do, yet uncertain of your reception. Debating the consequences for the thousandth time. You can’t be more ready than you are now. You have personally prepared; your clothes, your mind, your words, all rehearsed and ready. You have considered how to approach, and how to win your kingly husband's favour - Is there something you’ve forgotten? No. It is time. Time to put your life firstly into the hands of God, then in the hands of this notorious, passionate king.

You do not know whether these are your last moments as you stand there. Unable even to say a tentative goodbye to those you love. You wait for the opportunity to approach, for your brave heart to kick in. Take a deep breath and just do it you tell yourself.

Taking in scene, you know this place, you have been here before, you have previously even been summoned to this place, but now you notice all the details - the intricacy of the designs, the sweet aroma, the heavy presence.
It has been a while since you’ve been here, now the environment seems even more daunting, impressive, majestic. You used to be here more often, but you seem to of fallen out of favour for some reason. For the past month the king hasn’t even wanted to see your face, let alone speak to you or anything else. So, what are you doing here?
Although the halls and passageways are familiar it feels like an intrusion to be there, and he could feel the same - There he is, the powerful, mighty king, sitting on his mighty, majestic throne. Surrounded by splendour in his seat of authority, with people of power around him.

You, a mere wife, a woman, a dispensable part of this palace. Looking in nervously, looking upon the mighty one who can seal your fate with a motion of his hand. The feeling of inferiority increases as you recognise the enormity of your task. The apprehension builds as the reality of this situation reveals itself to your anxious mind. The task now seems ridiculous and pointless. What are you really doing here? Is this going to make any difference? Isn’t it just going to end in death anyway? Shouldn’t you just turn away unseen and unheard?

Even Vashti, the great, beautiful, beloved queen before you was not as bold. She never dared enter the king’s presence uninvited, but she got ‘disposed of' - we all know what that means!

Yet, here I am, the king’s second choice (and not the only one that shares his bed!) I don’t know what is going on in this palace, let alone outside the gates, or even in the king’s mind. On top of that, he hasn’t spoken to me in over a month, or requested my presence, so what on Earth am I doing here?
It is just going to be history repeated. Just another story of the wife that got disposed of.

This offence is surely greater than that of Vashti! She refused to come, but here I am barging in!

How dare I?

What should I do?

Ok, breathe, breathe.

I am contemplating my fate, the fate of the kingdom and my precious people. Yet, this anxiety is not going to help. I know I am taking a risk - a HUGE one, but who else can do it? Yes, it is dangerous, I could lose my life, but the lives of many depend on my actions. It's time to be bold, I and my people are desperate. This panic is going to do no good. God strengthen me. I don't know what you are going to do, but I know what I must.

I have nothing. I am putting myself in a completely vulnerable and humble position. I have prayed, fasted, and so have many others. Now it is time to trust that God has a plan - I have none. I have nothing. I am nothing, and I have nothing to offer the king of the world.

I am entering the throne room as a beggar. Entering the king's presence with all to lose and all to gain.

Well, I can't stay here debating with myself forever. It is now or never. I’ll never know the outcome unless I step forward, empty-handed as I am.
I have done my best. I have prepared everything that I can. I have; prayed, fasted, considered my request. There's nothing else for it. It is time.

God be with me I breathe silently. Deep breath. It's time to enter the king's presence…