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May 22




BLESSED QUIETNESS
Manie P. Ferguson, 19th century
  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only that which is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:29, 30)
The Holy Spirit performs many important ministries in the life of a Christian. One of these is to give us a calm and tranquil spirit, despite the stormy circumstances of life that may come our way.
One of the great tragedies of the Christian life, however, occurs when, through apathy or neglect or overt attitudes and actions, we allow the Holy Spirit’s ministry to become grieved and even quenched, leaving us powerless and restless. Perhaps it might be due to: self-centeredness and lack of concern for the needs of others; negative and critical attitudes toward others; practicing known sin; or lack of times of worship and communion with God. Whatever the cause, this time of spiritual draught must be dealt with even as the psalmist prayed in Psalm 51: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me …”
The text for “Blessed Quietness” was written about 1900 by Manie Payne Ferguson after she had come into the Wesleyan experience of “holiness” or “entire sanctification” or—as some call it— “the filling of the Holy Spirit.” Regardless of our theological terminology for the Holy Spirit’s energizing ministry, the truth of these words is an essential in every believers’ life—
  Joys are flowing like a river since the comforter has come; He abides with us forever, makes the trusting heart His home.
  Bringing life and health and gladness all around, this heav’nly guest banished unbelief and sadness, chang’d our weariness to rest.
  Like the rain that falls from heaven, like the sunlight from the sky, so the Holy Ghost is given, coming on us from on high.
  See, a fruitful field is growing, blessed fruit of righteousness; and the streams of life are flowing in the lonely wilderness.
  What a wonderful salvation, where we always see His face! What a perfect habitation, what a quiet resting place!
  Chorus: Blessed quietness, holy quietness—what assurance in my soul! On the stormy sea He speaks peace to me—how the billows cease to roll!

        For Today: Luke 11:13; John 14:18; Acts 5:32; Romans 8:16; Galatians 5:22
Be especially aware of attitudes, words, or actions that could grieve and quench the Holy Spirit’s ministry in your life. Enjoy a life of “blessed quietness” as you walk with God. Carry this musical reminder with you—


Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications, 1990). 157.

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