Tis the Season #4: A Steadfast & Still Heart

This devotional appeared first on Susan Cady’s blog, Get Real!

We continue our study of Psalm 86:11, as we seek to prepare our hearts and homes in order to celebrate what’s truly important this Christmas season. (Download/Print the study guide, including family activities and Preparing Our Home ideas)

… unite my heart to fear your name. —Psalm 86:11b

How do we cultivate an undivided heart? We continue our study of the heart habits of an undivided heart. Last week we looked at  A Seeking Heart. Today we’ll look at two more heart habits we need to cultivate in order to live with an undivided heart —a heart wholly devoted to the Lord and His ways.

unite – yahad (H3161) – to be or become one, be joined, to be united. It refers to entering into the plan or thinking of a group, uniting with them. It is used figuratively of the psalmist’s desire for the Lord to unite his heart to walk in God’s ways and to fear him (Ps 86:11).

What tends to divide and distract your heart?  Write down at least one thing that tends to distract from your time in the Word, in prayer and being in God’s presence.

Read through the definitions and the Scriptures for each heart habit.  Just allow the Word of God to wash over your heart, soul, mind and spirit.  Be renewed in truth today!

batah (H982) to trust, trust in to have confidence, be confident to be bold to be secure

pistis (G4102) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same; fidelity, faithfulness the character of one who can be relied on; the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ;

We may not be sure of the situation or its outcome, but we can be sure of who God is and know that He does act on behalf of those who love Him and seek Him. As lean on God’s wisdom, words and ways instead of our own, we will find a stronger sense of confidence and security in our lives. He is faithful and trustworthy!

still – rapah (H7503) – to become slack, to cease; let drop, relax, refrain, forsake, let go, be lazy, be quiet

wait – qawah (H6960) – meaning to wait for, to look for, to hope for. The root meaning is that of twisting or winding a strand of cord or rope.

Our lives are so filled with activity, stimulation and noise that it is hard to find time to just be quiet and still before the Lord. God beckons us to come to Him, to find time to be still and quiet because He knows we need it! Just as Jesus retreated to a quiet, solitary place, away from the noise of the city, from people, and activity to be alone with God, we need solitary times and places in our lives. It will take discipline and planning on our part to carve out this time in our day, but if we will ask Him, God will show us when, where and how!

What tends to divide and distract your heart? Look at the list you wrote earlier.  How can cultivating a seeking, steadfast and still heart help to unite your heart to fear, trust and worship God this Christmas season?

Contemplate His Greatness!  Find an area in your home where you can create a Contemplate His Greatness! board.  It could be a bulletin board, chalkboard, dry erase board, notebook —any place that is prominent and accessible on a daily basis. Have each family member make a point to record daily an aspect of God’s greatness (His character and ways) that He reveals to you through His Word.

Christmas Reading Corner  Years ago my dad made us a wooden sleigh and my parents filled it with goodies for our family. Every year I pull that sleigh out and place it near the fireplace in the family room and fill it with Christmas books and devotions I’ve collected over the years.  When my children were still at home, each day we had a quiet hour where they were to get somewhere, be still and quiet and read. Most often everyone chose the family room where the fire was going and Christmas tree was lit up. Even now as empty nesters I enjoy sitting by the fire, with a cup of hot tea and enjoying the Christmas tree and a good Christmas story. Make your own “Be Still” reading corner this Christmas. You don’t have to have a collection of books.  Start with just one and take time to be still each day and enjoy the season.

Originally published at warren.church.