George Müller built homes and schools for thousands of Victorian orphans, rescuing them from a life of begging and stealing on the streets. But the work that his compassionate heart inspired sometimes seemed gargantuan. There were days when he wondered how he would feed so many mouths or pay the building contractors. And yet these immense demands were not his first concern. “The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day [is] to have my soul happy in the Lord,” he wrote.
Before praying for the orphans’ needs, preparing sermons or negotiating contracts, George first meditated on Scripture, so he could know God’s presence and receive His blessings: peace, guidance and reassurance in his own soul.
Centuries earlier David had faced endless needs too, for example for protection from “assault” and “lies” (Psalm 62:3–4). But, like George, David counselled his soul to “find rest in God” (v. 5). He acknowledged the plots of traitors but did not brood on them; he quietened and filled his soul with the goodness of God, his “rock”, “fortress”, “refuge” and “hope”, who alone would uphold him (vv. 5–7).
Both men expressed trust in God’s nature, power and promises, and God was faithful in His response. Varying needs may bombard us, but as we receive God’s blessings through prayerful meditation on Scripture, we will know rest for our soul as we continue with our day.
By Anne Le Tissier
REFLECT & PRAY
What fears or needs do you have right now? How can you speak over them: “My soul, find rest in God”?
Loving, faithful God, thank You for always waiting for me to meet with You and receive Your many blessings.
Rest with God tonight by listening to the Our Daily Bread Evening Meditations at odb.org/ukpodcasts
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Slowing down to consider what Psalm 62 tells us (or at least implies) about the situation that prompted the psalmist to write it can deepen our understanding of God. It helps us internalize the psalm’s teaching in a way that transforms us rather than simply informs us. These are not the blissful words of reflection from an untroubled soul. David writes from the tired depths of someone maligned and assaulted. Saying that hope comes from the Lord is simple when hope is a luxury. To say that you will not be shaken when even your friends are secretly cursing you (v. 4) is an expression of trust before, during, and after all other hopes have failed.
J.R. Hudberg
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