Be Still and Sleep

Today I picked up my copy of a devotional book titled, "Streams in the Desert" by L.B. Cowman which was first published in 1925. As I read over the entry for June 1st, I thought it was so relevant for the times in which we live.

He said, "This is the resting place, let the weary rest"; and, "This is the place
of repose" - but they would not listen. (Isaiah 28:12)

How about you? Are you resting or are you weary from struggling, worrying or fretting? We call it by many different names.

Mrs. Cowman was a missionary aboard a great ship, in poor health, forced to return to the United States with her ailing husband. She wrote, "Why do you worry? What possible use does your worrying serve? You are aboard such a large ship that you would be unable to steer even if your Captain placed you at the helm. You would not even be able to adjust the sails, yet you worry as if you were the captain or the helmsman of the vessel. Be quiet, dear soul - God is the Master!"

Stop and think about that for just a second. Why do we spend so much time trying to control something that is so much bigger that we are equipped to handle? Why do we spend so much time trying to do in our own lives what only God can do? Is it any wonder that we worry? Isn't that exactly where the enemy wants us to be - overwhelmed, stressed out, discouraged, hopeless and in utter despair?

Listen to this poem (I guess you'll have to read it since I'm not there to read it for you).

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
The storms are raging on God's deep -
God's deep, not yours; be still and sleep.

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
God's hands will still the Tempter's sweep -
God's hands, not yours; be still and sleep.

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
God's love is strong while night hours creep -
God's love, not yours; be still and sleep.

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
God's heaven will comfort those who weep -
God's heaven, not yours; be still and sleep.
- Charles H Spurgeon

God in all of His infinite wisdom, lovingly holds you in the palm of His hands. He is waiting to take all of your cares, all of your concerns from you. He is the Master of your ship, the Master of your life and He will guide you safely home. Will you give up the helm to Him? Or will you continue to aimless steer?

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the
righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

He is trustworthy. He is faithful. He is true to His Word. What are you waiting for?