Inwardly Smiling

Streams in the Desert
September 10

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. (Psalm 138:8)

There is a divine mystery in suffering, one that has a strange and supernatural power and has never been completely understood by human reason. No one has ever developed a deep level of spirituality or holiness without experiencing a great deal of suffering. When a person who suffers reaches a point where he can be calm and carefree, inwardly smiling at his own suffering, and no longer asking God to be delivered from it, then the suffering has accomplished its blessed ministry, perseverance has "finish [ed] its work!" (James 1:4), and the pain of the Crucifixion has begun to weave itself into a crown.

It is in this experience of  complete suffering that the Holy Spirit works many miraculous things deep within our soul. In this condition, our entire being lies perfectly still under the hand of God; every power and ability of the mind, will, and heart are at last submissive; a quietness of eternity settles into the entire soul; and finally, the mouth becomes quiet, having only a few words to say, and stops crying out the words Christ quoted on the cross: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' (Ps. 22:1).

At this point the person stops imagining castles in the sky, and pursuing foolish ideas, and his reasoning becomes calm and relaxed, with all choices removed, because the only choice has now become the purpose of God. Also, his emotions are weaned away from other people and things, becoming deadened so that nothing can hurt, offend, hinder, or get in his way. He can now let the circumstances be what they may, and continue to seek only God and His will, with the calm assurance that He is causing everything in the universe, whether good or bad, past or present, to work "for the good of those who love him." (Rom. 8:28).

Oh, the blessings of absolute submission to Christ! What a blessing to lose our own strength, wisdom plans, and desires and to be where every ounce of our being becomes like a peaceful Sea of Galilee under the omnipotent feet of Jesus! from Soul Food

The main thing is to suffer without becoming discouraged. Francois Fenelon

The heart that serves, and loves, and clings,

Hears everywhere the rush of angel wings

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I read this today and I long to be someone who can inwardly smile no matter the circumstances. So much of my life has been filled with personal turmoil and inner struggle ... by me personally making things harder than what they have to be. I am seeking to take each day as it comes and rest in His sovereignty as that is the only way to know true peace. My prayer is that I will live a life that I can now let the circumstances be what they may, and continue to seek only God and His will, with the calm assurance that He is causing everything in the universe, whether good or bad, past or present, to work "for the good of those who love him." (Rom. 8:28).

No matter what you are facing ... spiritual, financial, physical, mental or emotional ... allow the Lord to sift you. Allow Him to refine you. To pull out the impurities from your life that you may not be able to see so that you may come forth, out of this storm, as gold and all for His glory. And on those days that it seems the enemy is trying his hardest to break you then you can smile inwardly to yourself knowing Who is in control and fight on!

I love you all.

Blessings ...

- Melody  Faith