Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24 NKJV.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 NKJV.

For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called…Wonderful Counselor…Mighty God…Everlasting Father…Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6.

This morning in my quiet time with Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit, He reminded me my greatest need is for Him. His presence with me. We sat in quiet together and it was needed. I am always in such a rush in my mind to get to the “new” understanding. What I need is Him. Thank You, Lord. And our chapter, Proverbs 13, can be received in quiet with God. The word of God…Scripture…is important. But time with God in quiet is needed. Some of the verses are pretty harsh where the wicked are singled out. So are the lessons needing to be learned the hardest way by choice. And always, God is here when we turn to Him for understanding for He is our sufficiency for all things needed for our good. A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes…Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin…A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied…Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner…Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice…Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life…The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death…Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm…v. 1, 3, 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 20.

I marveled this morning looking out the window at the sky so blue. I listened in quiet to birdsong, to a small dog barking, to vehicles passing by. I felt a sense of peace that nothing in this world can give. And even my prayer to Him felt almost an intrusion of words not needed. They finally slowed and stopped and I reminded Him “I’m here!” He knew. He was already here with me and wanted me to be still with Him. Feeling His reassuring presence enveloping me reminded me He is always here. How can I not give thanks? How can I not give praise? How can I not rejoice? Indeed, how can I? Be with God. Sit in quiet stillness and know He loves us. Be with Him who loves you. Begin a journey with Him and take His hand and walk with Him. He’s here. Always! The prince of this world doesn’t like to sit in silence. Have you ever thought about that? Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8. The enemy will never give us instruction for our good; he will always entice to do wrong and then suffer those consequences. Not so our God! God will lead us along paths of righteousness with Him and it is Good!