Daily Journal: 29 June

Nurture Your Heart

Have you ever been so angry that you shake? Or so fearful that you tremble? Those are situations when justice is required but it doesn't seem forthcoming.

The bible says to go have a lie down, take some time out, look into your heart and be still.

Meditate quietly on what is right and good for you to do in that moment, not what you feel like doing, or feel justified to do.

Nurture your heart and trust in the Lord.

That is the sacrifice of righteousness. This is a guide for "how not to sin" in those situations.

Psalm 4:4-5

(NASB) Tremble [with anger or fear], and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the Lord.

(NCV) When you are angry, do not sin. Think about these things quietly as you go to bed. Selah Do what is right as a sacrifice to the Lord and trust the Lord.

(NLV) Shake with anger and do not sin. When you are on your bed, look into your hearts and be quiet. Give the gifts that are right and good, and trust in the Lord.

We have different reactions to anger and fear. Some of us explode. Some of us withdraw. Some of us run. Some of us freeze. Our first response is either to lament at what the other person has done wrong or immediately believe we've done something wrong. Our first response is not usually to go take a break on our own and just be quiet, be still, and look at our heart first. Yet, that’s what the bible counsels us to do.

This sacrifice is an exchange of self with trust in the Lord. We need to take quiet moments to meditate on what’s in our heart and nurture what is right and good; understand ourselves in those moments, understand our surrender to God and know that God understands us. He will show us what to do and we will know that we can trust Him with the outcome, even if the outcome isn’t what we desire.

I pray you are able to come into the secret place with God. Willing sit quietly with the LORD who knows you and sees you better than anyone, and find the peace you need to move forward in good health and well-being