The Quiet Strength of Slowing Down
Brenda Bradford Ottinger
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters …” (Psalm 23:2, NIV).
“When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’” Mark 5:27-28 (NIV)
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.” Exodus 31:3 (NLT)
“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6 (NLT)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
“They say to the seers, ‘See no more visions!’ and to the prophets, ‘Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!’” Isaiah 30:10-11 (NIV)
God, I want You to open a door in my life so badly, but instead it feels like every door keeps slamming shut. It’s so discouraging to want something, only to feel like it may never happen. But I know You are a God who sees my every desire and is always on time. Help me to stay steadfast in coming to You with every request as I remember and believe Your timing is always perfect. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45 (NIV)
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 (NIV)
“Then the people of Judah began to complain, ‘The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.’” Nehemiah 4:10 (NLT)
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters …” (Psalm 23:2, NIV).
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8, CSB).
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, NIV).
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3, NIV).