Encouragement for Troubling Times

A couple of years ago, we had some really hard times in our family. My mother had a heart attack and a stroke at the same time that my dh was having headaches and undiagnosed neurological problems (it turned out to be sleep apnea!). During this time, I found myself encouraged by God's Word and Elisabeth Elliot's book, "Keep a Quiet Heart". I journaled many of these things as I came across them, and I have been rereading them over the past few weeks because, once again, I am struggling. I would like to start transferring the things that encouraged me from my paper journal to my blog, in hopes that they can encourage others. This is the first set.

"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure." Psalms 16:5

Can we say that there are things which happen to us which do not belong to our lovingly assigned "portion"? (This belongs to it--that does not.) Are there some things, then, out of the control of the Almighty? Whatever happens is assigned. Every assignment is measured and controlled for my eternal good. As I accept the given portion, other options are cancelled. Decisions become much easier, directions clearer, and hence, my heart becomes inexpressively quieter.

RESPONSE IS WHAT MATTERS!!!

A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. All is grace. My assignment entails a willing acceptance of my portion. We can only know that Eternal Love is wiser than we, and we bow in adoration of that loving wisdom.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And GOD IS FAITHFUL; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:13

"As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you." Isaiah 66:13

Think of these promises, and keep a quiet heart. Our enemy delights in disquieting us. Our Savior and Helper delight in quieting us.

--From "Keep a Quiet Heart" by Elisabeth Elliot--