Embracing Simple Devotion: The Path to Peace and Maturity in Faith
Photo Credit: Noya Fields Family
Guest Post: Debra Wynn
1 Kings 5-6; Romans 5; Psalm 131
Years ago, I heard a phrase in my sleep:“simple devotion.” When I awakened, I found our beloved kitty “Mel” (short for Melchizedek, of course) dead on our doorstep, curled around himself, as if asleep. God had prepared me in His way for finding him so … and taught me all I/we really need as a compass for sojourning this life’s joys and heartaches is “simple devotion.”
Mel made his way home because of it, his simple devotion to us. He was obviously fatally injured, somehow entangled in what was his demise, BUT his love/his compass gave him enough strength to make it home … his simple devotion to us.
Our life in God, with God can also be such … in simplicity.
“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; My eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.
“I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 131
*** A nursing babe needs food and care, demanding nourishment and consolation immediately! But a weaned one stays close out of love and affection (the desire for closeness, an embrace, and companionship) and “all is well.”
May we desire the right balance, to lay our ambitions, the assignments and races aside … to live in humility at the same time. Calm your own spirit, your inner man.
Lean in and be content, every moment a gift of being, of being with the Father and His Son within.
We want to mature, don’t we? Moving on from “just milk” into a weaned one … not demanding, but desiring out of love!
It all ties together, yes? If we love, we will find our way home and obey from a place of love and honor. And then, oh so many blessings of His blessings ❤️
Father, I pray Your word come alive within … for it and You are flawless. You and You Alone are enough. May Your faith be our faith! when we can’t, You can. ALL the promises are realized through faith; therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have the blessing of peace with God through Christ Jesus (Romans 5) Amen and amen!
Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompts
- Reflect on the phrase “simple devotion” as mentioned in the post. What does simple devotion look like in your personal relationship with God? How can you cultivate a more devoted, simplified faith journey amidst life’s complexities?
- The loss of Mel, symbolizing simple devotion, brings about a poignant lesson. Share a moment when a personal loss or hardship led you to a deeper understanding or revelation about your faith. How did this experience change your perspective on devotion and trust in God?
- Psalm 131 presents a powerful image of calmness and contentment like a weaned child with its mother. Reflect on what areas of your life you need to find peace and contentment. How can you apply the message of this Psalm to achieve a more tranquil and satisfied spirit?
- Debra talks about the desire to mature in faith, moving beyond just milk to a more profound relationship with God. Identify aspects of your faith life where you’re still feeding on milk. What steps can you take to progress towards more solid food, deepening your understanding and relationship with God?
- Considering the closing prayer, reflect on the statement, “ALL the promises are realized through faith; therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have the blessing of peace with God through Christ Jesus.” How does this affirmation impact your view of faith’s role in achieving peace with God? In what ways can you more fully embrace this truth in your daily walk?
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