Casandra Martin

The rich blessings that come from living in His presence and spending time in His Word are almost too many to count! We live in a world that makes it challenging to be attentive as we open our Bibles and listen to His voice. There are so many voices that try to pull at our hearts and command our attention. It is difficult sometimes to embrace the quiet stillness of God’s presence when we are swamped by the storms of stress and shame and the crashing waves of worry and fear. God has a remedy for our souls.

The wisdom writer wrote in Ecclesiastes 4:6, “Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.” Busyness gets to us all. It can take over our days, command our time, dominate our thoughts, and pull at our spirits. Just a handful of quietness makes all the difference. A little stillness calms the storm in my soul. A touch of silence can open my ears to His voice. A moment of quiet refocuses my eyes and refreshes my heart. It helps me adjust my perspective and calm my anxious spirit. In the middle of the whirlwind that is life, I often find myself struggling to just stay upright as all of the responsibilities, expectations, and pressures swirl around me. Being still, even for just a moment, allows me to breathe in grace.

My Jesus Resolution today is take time for a handful of quietness. I am going to be deliberate about soaking in the presence of the Lord. I want to sit still in His love, allowing His mercy and grace to wash away my tension and stress. I am going to respond to the still, small voice that invites me into peace as I put my hand in His hand and rest in the quietness of His presence.