Quieting our souls before God

It's no secret that I consider Elisabeth Elliot one of the foremost Christian women in America. In my library are all the books she has written; some I have read repeatedly. She is wise and godly and mature in her faith; a role model for all women.

In Secure in the Everlasting Arms she lists principles to help us quiet our souls before God. They are:

• Go to God first. Kneel in silence. Lift up your heart and hands. Listen.
• Receive the Givens and the Not-Givens. "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure" (Psalm 16:5).
• In acceptance lies peace. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27)
• It is always possible to do the will of God.
• Do it now. "I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands" (Psalm 119:60).
• Love means sacrifice.
• Choose your attitude. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who...made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant...He humbled himself" (Phil. 2:5, 7-8).
• Analyze your struggle. Is it merely delayed obedience?
• Give it all to Jesus.
• Do the next thing.
• Give thanks every day and for everything.