13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
*The mind never puts forth greater power over itself than when, in great
trials, it yields up calmly its desires, affections, interests to God.
There are seasons when to be still demands immeasurably higher strength
than to act. Composure is often the highest result of power.
Wm E. Channing
It has been my experience that the oft' quoted verses from Luke 27 and Philippians 4 are related to "big" things. Victory over an addiction. Being healed from cancer. Getting a job after months of unemployment. And while the verses certainly apply to these situations, as Mr. Channing points out, it can be the internal struggle that proves most difficult.
How many times have my morning meditations been cut short because that mental to-do list crowds out heavenly thoughts? How many spiritual blessings have I missed because I have just taken a peek at email in the morning and had my 7/24 time derailed?
I am wired to fix, act, respond. Gotta' keep moving, doing. To still my mind and heart before God is perhaps not only my biggest struggle, but also my greatest obstacle to Christian growth and insight.
My "impossible with man is possible with God" is a quiet mind and calm spirit. If I can master that, the rest will follow.
*DAILY STRENGTH FOR DAILY NEEDS- August 9, 2014
Mary Wilder Tileston
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