Be Still Devotional: Day 31

Devotion for Monday March 24
Jaime Obando | Community Ministries Associate

Scripture
Psalm 37:7
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Devotional Thought
During the Christmas season, I often remember my first Christmas in the US. I was only twelve years old when I arrived in Houston from Quito, Ecuador. I was a freshman in high school, trying to learn a new language, a new culture, and a new belief in Christ.

I always prayed for God’s help in learning the new language. It was not easy trying to understand American History, Math, and other subjects being taught to me in English. I struggled while doing homework, preparing for tests, and barely being able to tell my teacher that I did not understand much of what she taught during class.

One day, I spoke to my pastor, Richard Plowman (an American missionary to Central America). I cried out loud as I showed him my report card full of low grades. I was very disappointed and ashamed. I was angry. Pastor Plowman showed me today’s verse, Psalm 37:7. He taught me how to have a daily quiet time with the Lord. Pastor Plowman taught me how to bring all my struggles, all my disappointments, broken dreams, and expectations to God.

He also taught me about the godly men in the Bible who were immigrants living in foreign lands. He taught me about Daniel, Joseph, and other young men mentioned in the Bible who encountered tribulation and spiritual warfare as they dealt with men who carried out evil devices.

Pastor Plowman told me, “Jaime, I can’t teach you how to wait on the Lord, you must learn to wait on the Lord as you come to him in daily prayer and adoration, and have intimacy with God.”

Reflection Questions

• Have you forgotten how to listen to God’s guidance during your quiet time?
• Are you intentionally seeking that quiet, silent time before the Lord?

Suggested prayer/action step
Schedule and pre-plan your quiet time before the Lord. Let the Lord teach you to be still and know that He is Lord and in control of your life as you pray and seek His will.