Strong With Lisa BevereSample

Quieted by Love  

So many of us are in a sexual nightmare. Others are in relational nightmares. Some of us are in financial nightmares. I have learned that often the best way to combat a nightmare is with a dream. 

For example, when my children woke in the night frightened, ill, or overly excited, I’d draw them close to quiet them. To do this, I rocked them, or lay down next to them in their beds, or if the hour was late and my husband was away, I brought them into my bed. Why? I wanted them to know I was near. 

It was there in my arms that I listened to their fears while I stroked their hair. I whispered affirmations of God’s love and mine and reminded them of His faithful protection. I’d sing lullabies until their breathing told me they were back to sleep. 

These aspects of a mother’s tender response to her frightened children are drawn from the heart of God. They are but a small reflection of His desire to comfort us. When we hurt, when we fail, when we are frightened, God wants us to draw near, and never move away. 

As His children, we are invited to come into His arms of safety and love. There He will give us visions of beauty, capable of putting us back at ease and rest. I believe with all my heart that your Father God wants to do the following for you: 

• draw you near
• wash every trace of guilt and shame from you 
• lay aside your fears by addressing them in the light of truth 
• give you a hope and a future 
• return you to rest 
• restore the dream in your heart 

God is ready to come to our aid. He delights in quieting His children just as a mother considers it a joy to comfort hers. But a mother’s ability to comfort has its limits, while God’s ability to comfort is as limitless as His love. 

Pray

Heavenly Father, I draw near to You, believing that You are with me and will quiet me with Your love. I surrender to resting in You. 

Declare

I am strong, because the Mighty One is with me, singing and quieting my soul with His love.

Did you enjoy this plan? I encourage you to go deeper by checking out my 90-day devotional book, Strong.