I cannot be quiet
with my soul
when resentment is there
when anger bubbles
too close to the surface
when hurts are harboured
like decaying skeletons
who wants to sit quiet
with that?
I cannot be quiet with
my soul
when jealousy and comparison
play their little games
with my mind
when contentment
is absent and my prayers
read like shopping lists.
When all I have pondered
in my heart
are the things I have not
how can I come
and quiet myself
before a God who has given
His all
and I, with this discontented
heart?
I cannot be quiet with
my soul
when the stillness is too loud
reminding me of what
I’ve left undone,
the things I need to mend
the gentle persistent
calling back I’ve tried
to ignore.
But in the quiet is where
peace is found.
It’s where the compassionate
Physician brings healing.
Illuminating,
searching and restoring
my contrary heart.
He doesn’t demand I come
in a manner worthy
of Him,
but promises I will not
leave unchanged
having been
in His presence.
I wonder if the times we least want to be quiet and alone with our souls and God are the times we most need it?
Mary Folkerts is mom to four kids and wife to a farmer, living on the southern prairies of Alberta, where the skies are large and the sunsets stunning. She is a Proverbs 31 ministries COMPEL Writers Training member and is involved in church ministries and music. Mary’s personal blog aims to encourage and inspire women and advocate for those with Down Syndrome, as their youngest child introduced them to this extraordinary new world. For more inspiration, check out Joy in the small things https://maryfolkerts.com/ or connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maryfolkerts/
