“I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother…” (Psalm 131:2)

If an army is in chaos, it’s not going to respond very well when the enemy strikes. If a soldier is always fatigued and confused about what to do, he’s not going to face the enemy with power.

There are times when we all have a battle to wage. I’m not talking about guns or violence. I’m talking about the hardships you face. We call these “battles,” don’t we? These may be personal battles, but are battles nevertheless. 

Perhaps you are fighting for a family member or facing a dark spiritual enemy. You know your situation best.

When that time is nigh, is your soul chaotic, loud, fatigued or confused, or are you still, focused, rested and ready?

The battle is waged from a place of stillness.

My sense is that most of you would agree with this. Most of you would probably also agree that it’s easier said than done.

Over the next few devotionals I’m going to explore a few insights and practices that I think will help.

Step one always includes God:

“Lord, you know what lies before me. 
Make me receptive to ideas and practices
which will bring me to a place of stillness, 
which will nurture calm and quiet in my soul. 
When I’m called upon to engage in spiritual battle, 
I want to be still, focused, rested and ready. 
And I want to be all those things
for the loving kingdom of Jesus, and for your glory. 
In his name I pray, Amen.”

The battle is waged from a place of stillness.

---

Notes:

–“I have calmed and quieted my soul.” Sermon on Psalm 131. September 3, 2023. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.