A Still, Calm  Spirit   

 

The flutter of a bird’s wings

Will cease when he is still.

Lord, come and calm my spirit,

I want to know Your will.

 

For while my spirit flutters,

I’ll not hear Your voice,

Not hear Your words of wisdom,

Nor know my Master’s choice.

 

Please come and calm my spirit,

That I may hear You, Lord,

Listening for Your voice now,

And waiting for Your Word.

 

As I wait here, listening,

My spirit calm and still,

May I hear Your Word Lord,

And seek to do Your will.

1985  Shirley Healy   (edited 2/6/03)

             The Story Behind "A Still, Calm Spirit"                 Have you felt overwhelmed by events or circumstances that were “out of your control?” For many years, I only turned to God in prayer when I felt overwhelmed, powerless, or when I needed something. My prayers usually took the form of a desperate "O, God, help!" Then, when the crisis was over, I thanked Him, and went on with my life as if He were there waiting, just for me. I acted as if I didn't know Him = until the next crisis that is.  

Looking back, which is something I find myself doing a lot these days, I recognize that my lack of personal relationship with God was a choice. I also know that I wounded God by not seeking to know Him personally. After all, He had been faithful, and I still didn’t give Him the time of day. I didn't recognize my need for a personal relationship with Him and His Son, Jesus? Seven years later, I recognized my need for a personal relationship with God, and His desire to fellowship with me. We are even closer companions today; God did not change, but I did. 

In March 1985, my sister encouraged me to attend a Precept Bible Study. Through this Bible study, I learned that "works" could not save me; I was saved by God’s grace alone, through Christ’s blood, shed on the cross. I asked Jesus to forgive my sin, then, I asked Jesus to dwell in my heart - permanently. Now, I had a hunger to truly know God and I couldn't learn fast enough.

I also began to understand and experience the power of prayer. Today, I can say with confidence that prayer is a vital and necessary part of my life in communion with Him. I learned that prayer is more than crying out for help in time of need. Prayer is communing with God, praising and thanking Him, confessing sin, asking for His forgiveness, asking Jesus to intercede for me and others. And, there is another blessing in prayer. Prayer is also "listening" with a calm spirit; listening for God's response - His call - His will in my life, and His desire  for my response in obedience.  

A Still, Calm Spirit was a word from God in season, and one I am delighted to share. It was given to me one day when I was having a difficult time listening. A day when I was distracted by the multitude of worries and stress in my life, then turned to Him and found peace.     April 10, 2001  (Edited 2-06-03)    Shirley Healy