When I sat down to Quiet My Heart in Luke chapter 12:22-34, I got more than I expected.
What spoke loudest to me was the providence of God. It’s not a word I use often, but after my Monday morning Bible study it was stuck in my head.
I got my pencil crayons out and started to highlight:
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. – Luke 12:32
Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. – Luke 12:27
And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. – Luke 12:29-30
And I was in awe of His providence.
Dictionary.com defines providence this way, “the foreseeing care and guidance of God.”
Such a beautiful thought, but a question remained. If God cares for us, provides for us, and loves us, why are so many suffering? Why are so many lacking those things we take for granted? Health, food, a home, happiness…
I have a brother in law who’s battling cancer right now. I’ve known him since I was eight years old, so in every sense of the word, he’s my brother. But he’s lying in the hospital fighting for his life while I’m sitting in my house enjoying life. Where’s the providence in all of this?
And then day 2 came, and I dug deeper into the Word.
God’s Word shines light on all of my questions… “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:31-39
This journey we’re on isn’t about what we’ll get, or what we won’t get–what will fall into place, and what won’t. It’s not about life or death, famine or war. It’s not about the trials we face or the triumphs we experience. It’s about experiencing a relationship with God regardless of what comes our way. It’s about trusting in something bigger than us.
His compassionate grace gives us hope. His providence offers rest to the weary soul. His power and might sustain us when we can’t stand on our own.
When our treasure is stored up in heaven, nothing can take it away.
As long as we’re in this world, we’ll have trouble, but that trouble could never separate us from our God. We’ll see sickness and pain, poverty and loss, hunger, sadness and sorrow… and some of it might hit close to home, but hope remains for those who believe. This world is a passage to much greater things. A life we couldn’t even begin to imagine.
When I truly believe that regardless of what comes my way He’s got my best interest at heart, I can rest from the cares of this world. When I accept the fact that He cares deeply for me, I can put my worries aside and see past the trials I face.
Are you studying along with us? Share your notes in our Bible journaling group, or follow me on Facebook and share your thoughts there.
Come back on Friday and we’ll share more thoughts from this study as we quiet our hearts for the holidays.
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife
P.S. It’s not to late to join our study. We just started this week (Nov. 23rd), and we’d love to have you study with us! All of the information for the study is found here: Quieting Your Heart for the Holidays.
this study is fantastic, bless you.
Denise, you make me smile. Thanks so much!
It is a wonderful thing that God knows our every need. My take away is not to be anxious…He will provide!
Amen!
This study truly has quieted my heart. This is such a hectic time of year and I really appreciate how this study puts my focus where it should be. Thank you, again, Darlene, for sharing your heart and wisdom with us!
I love this bible study. It is a great reminder of enjoying what God has blessed us with and experiencing him fully in our life. God has his arms open to us, all we need is to fall into them. Whether it be in joy or sorrow. There is nothing he can’t provide
Amen!
Dear Darlene,
I didn’t get to sit down with my study ’til nearly midnight last night. I decided to start with the journal. I also decided to color it with pencils page by page as I went. Why? To slow down my thoughts and help me focus on the Lord. I went to sleep more easily and slept more peacefully than I have in awhile.
This paragraph in your devotion today really stood out to me.
“This journey we’re on isn’t about what we’ll get, or what we won’t get–what will fall into place, and what won’t. It’s not about life or death, famine or war. It’s not about the trials we face or the triumphs we experience. It’s about experiencing a relationship with God regardless of what comes our way. It’s about trusting in something bigger than us.”
May I quote this in a blog post?
Thank you!
Laura Lane
Harvest Lane Cottage
Where did you get the journaling bible?
It’s a KJV Journaling Bible from Amazon.
I set my book up last week and yesterday I read the first set of verses in Luke prescribed for Day 1…and I instantly felt peace. It was instant. Worry completely robs me of my joy and it wasnt until reading that that I realized that that is what completely does it….Thank you, for this, thank you for all this wonderful information. Christina
I may have taken your quotes out of context. This is what I think. God says we experience horrible things. We just exist like everyone else with our burdens. Our only role is to trust in God. Who offers nothing to ease our way on earth except that there is a god that exists. This is truly messed up.
As much as we hate to admit it, we all experience death. It’s a part of life. But we can rejoice in all trials knowing that God has so much more in store for us than this world. Without faith, we’re without hope. With it we see that life itself is a miracle. Our eyes are opened to the blessings of God. We’re completely surrounded by miracles each and every day.
I think it’s a glass half empty when you look at it your way.
I received a message today from a woman who’s child has an inoperable brain tumour. She was encouraged, which is really what I hope to bring through this study.
Thank you so much for providing this study. A group of ladies and I are following along as well as spending time in our prayer journals, which are super cute and fun! Thank you for taking us to Romans 8:31-39. I feel like these scriptures answer some hard questions that we may have throughout our walk with the Lord. I love how God’s Word can lead us to all different areas in the Bible depending on what we as an individual may be going through. We each have our own relationship with Him and that amazes me! Here is what I gained from the study yesterday:
God is instructing us to not worry about Him providing our needs. He provides for the birds, the flowers, and even the grass. Why wouldn’t He provide for us? When I first read this I thought it really wasn’t something that I needed to hear because I seldom worry about what I will eat or wear. But, this applies to our emotional needs as well! It applies to our desires to feel loved, accepted, valued, and at peace. God will provide ALL our physical and emotional (spiritual) needs if we allow Him to. These verses make me think about the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel. Jacob married both sisters and adored one over the other. He did not love or honor Leah, but was infatuated with Rachel because of her outer beauty. Leah, gave birth to Jacob’s four sons each time hoping that she could earn Jacob’s love by bearing his sons. By Leah’s fourth son she realized her worth and love was not going to come from Jacob, but from God. She named her fourth son Judah, which means “praise the Lord anyway.” In return Leah was blessed by God and given an assurance of His Love. Rachel’s desire for acceptance and love was always fulfilled by a lustful infatuation from Jacob.
So, Question #1 for this week: What are some things that are robbing you of your joy?
For me, worldly principles and it’s ideas of beauty and love steal my joy! When I put the worldly pressures of how I should look to be considered beautiful or how my marriage should be in order for me to feel loved, I feel hopeless. The world tells me I’m not beautiful unless I’m shaped like Barbie and I’m not loved by my husband unless he leaves love notes on my pillow and spends all of his free time complimenting my appearance. It is impossible to meet worldly standards! It steals my joy! Focus on God’s principles for beauty and love. God’s standards allow us to find our beauty in our love for Christ and others. God’s standards allow us to find our worth and feelings towards love in our marriage in our husbands and ourselves seeking His design for our marriage. He will give us strength to win the battle against the enemies lies every time!
Oh my. I’m almost in tears thinking about Leah. What a life that woman had. She was always second. It gives us a lot to think about. Thank you for your awesome thoughts!! Love them.
Darlene,
I just got this book and I’m confused. My book starts on day 17 and the first half is a coloring book. I looked at others posting their day 1 and 2 and I have no day 1 thru 16.
Lisa Hopper, it sound like the printer goofed this up. Can you email me a photo of the book and your mailing address? I’ll have one rushed over to you asap.
A friend of mine directed me to your site today and I’m so glad she did. This is a wonderful blog post for today and you have inspired me to start the study. I love digging into God’s word and I sooooo need to slow down for the holiday’s and get that peace that comes only from God. I am going to download and print everything right now and get started. Thank you so much for providing this for us. God bless you.
Oh, I’m so glad that you found your way here, Shannan! Awesome. Sorry about the typo on page one of the study guide. Argh!
I am enjoying the Quieting series. I hope you are able to do more series like this in the future.
**Monday morning of this week my husband announced that he doesn’t know if he wants to stay or go. Please pray for us(me). I am very sad right now and afraid.
Thank you.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Su Ann, my heart hurts for you. I am praying for you and your marriage — and that God would be your strength and comfort as y’all walk through this tough time.
I had some of the same internal conflict with the first part of those verses … sure, it’s easy for me (in theory) to not worry about food and clothes . . . but what about those–especially children–who do not live in abundance? What about the moms/dads all over the world that are struggling to put food in front of their families? And in one of my commentaries I read, God provides whatever “is needed, whether in abundant outpouring or measured inner strength.” Wow!
It occurs to me that Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, and KNOWING that even though His audience at the time were humble and poor, future readers would not necessarily be, and they would have those questions like, “what about those who suffer?” and His followup in the latter part of that passage was aimed at them (me): “Are you worried about the sufferings of others? Good! You have the means to do something about it . . . sell your stuff and feed someone in need.” It was very convicting to me.
The other thing that struck me about the latter part of that passage was, regarding possessions: the issue is not how much you have, but how what you have affects your commitment to Christ. Good stuff! 🙂
That insight solves the prmeblo. Thanks!