Friday, January 16, 2009

FREE TO BE QUIET


This beautiful sunset was out my french doors on Wednesday night. My grandson, Aric, noticed it and I had to get a picture of it. Such beauty painted in the sky.

The following devotional was the reading yesterday in The Word For You Today. I trust it will bless you as it did us.


"He opened not his mouth." Isaiah 53:7

Sometimes it's wise to wait, to say, "I don't have the answer right now but I'll think about it, pray, and get back to you." Your need to rescue someone or impress them and make points, will come back to bite you. The Bible says, "A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly" Proverbs 12:23 NIV Allow wisdom to determine your response, not ego!

When people are anxious for answers they'll pressure you into speaking before you have all the facts or have taken time to pray and consider the situation. If you ask Him, God will tell you what to say and when to say it. His promise is "I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand" Isaiah 51:16 NIV. Ego says, "Don't just stand there, say something." Wisdom says, "Don't just say something, stand there!" Quietly ask God for insight. One insight from Him can settle things in a hurry. Someone else's need to know shouldn't determine your need to speak.

When Jesus stood before Pilate in judgment He said, "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" Matthew 26:53 NIV. Yet the Bible says, "He opened not his mouth."

When He was brought before Pilate, Jesus just stood there and said nothing. That's because He was not on trial. Pilate was. Jesus knew His destiny, and most importantly, He knew His Father intimately. And when you know God, you can face anything with confidence--and be free to be quiet. What a wonderful place to be!

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19 comments:

Joy said...

Thank you for sharing this.

Joy

Mari said...

Beautiful picture and I enjoyed reading your thoughts today also.

Missy said...

Very timely message to share with me today, Susan!

I hope you don't mind that I've linked to your post in the comments of another blog discussion?

(ps - my word verification is "frosins"!)

retha said...

Yes, it is truth.
And JESUS said what was necessary for that specific moment,when he spoke. And even when he wrote, exactly what would touch thAt person.

Brenda said...

I love that. Especially, "Don't just say something, stand there"!

Anonymous said...

Excellent devotion and one that is difficult for me to apply at times but necessary for me to be mindful of. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Love the picture, its so pretty!!

Susan said...

Beautiful post, Susan!

Kathy said...

Thank you for posting the picture Susan. We all love your blog so much. Thanks for being you, and challenging all of us in our faith. MY verification word is "ragreep". Definition: when two or more agree to regroup! : ) I've often held a quiet curiosity to these crazy words!

Debra said...

What a wonderful devotion and one that I especially needed to hear, thanks. That is an awsome picture...what beauty awaits us when we just take a look upwards!

the voice of melody said...

I loved this devotion, Susan. I needed to read that today. {Hugs}

Dee said...

Hello, My name is Dee. I found your blog at "Connies thoughts from the heart" and thought i would say hello. I am enjoying your devotions and will spend some time reading your blog. I love connecting with other christians.I find all the wisdom and encouragements a blessing. Dee

Nadine said...

Great wisdom. Sometimes it takes such wisdom to say nothing until you hear from God. I totally agree.

Mountain Mama said...

A wonderful post Susan. My friend in Maryland and I were talking about this same thing this afternoon. We think it's best to wait on the Holy Spirit to give us the words then we know it's right.

... said...

great devotion. one we can all learn from.

Susan Skitt said...

The freedom of quietness... such a blessing today Susan, thanks for sharing and that sunset was stunning!

P.S. I have two special authors on my blog today talking about raising boys. I know you had an interest for your grandson.

God bless,
Susan

Anonymous said...

This was such a great post, Susan! Thank you for sharing the wisdom you have gleaned in your love for God's Word. There could be a Bible study for women built all around this and situations we face as women and our felt (right or wrong) need to talk.

Shirley said...

I sent you an award (although I was not the first) - it is the Lemonade Award. I just couldn't resist, because you always have such a genuine faithful perspective when life becomes too full of lemons.
Blessings to you!

Kathi said...

Thank you Susan, This is just what I needed. Kathi