Angie has been
described as the “fun sister next door.” And like a real sister, she
will make you laugh as well as encourage you to drink deeper from the
well of God’s grace. Her book Clutter Free Simplicity encourages women
to clear the clutter in their hearts and homes by focusing on what is
really important — their daily walk with Jesus. One of Angie’s most
important ministries is being a wife to her childhood sweetheart and
mama to one princess and three princes. They enjoy family movie nights,
long car trips, and acting out the TV show Chopped. Connect with Angie on her blog Angie Ryg or on Facebook or Twitter.

Read Psalm 131

“My heart is not proud, Lord,
 my eyes are not haughty;
 I do not concern myself with great matters
 or things too wonderful for me.
 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
 I am like a weaned child with its mother;
 like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord
 both now and forevermore.”

I cannot believe they let them watch that movie. What kind of parents are they? And that skirt…did you see how short it was? Seriously, they must not care at all what others are thinking about their daughter!

And so it goes – this conversation of pride. But it is not one that I am speaking out loud. No, these are the things that I say in my head. In the depths of my heart – in the ugly places where I am such an insecure soul that I try to make myself feel better by looking at what I see as other people’s faults. My heart can be proud.

It is as if eating a Big Mac would taste better if I were eating it in front of a hungry person. Doesn’t that seem crazy? I know it would not taste any better. The meat would get stuck in my throat in a pile of guilt. And then hopefully, I would pass my burger to the hands that are searching for food. I would have compassion instead of pride.

The one who is walking close to the Lord is not concerned with what movies are being shown in a neighbor’s house, but the aroma of one’s own home. Home is where you feel secure. Home is where you can ask the hard questions. And home might be where you cry, but you are always loved.

Like a small child who is weaned and not searching for milk, not searching for the next pleasure. This child is content in the arms of her mother. Content at home. Because there the heart is not proud because it only knows dependence. And she knows the love of a mother.

Lord, help me to feel this love. For it is there. You promised it is there both now and forevermore. But let me feel it in today – In the sighs of a child falling asleep as I stroke his sweaty head after playing kickball in the sun. Let me see it in the smile of a teenager who stays back from her friends to give me one more hug goodbye. Let me know it in the middle of the night as I sleep soundly in the arms of a man who would die to protect me.

For that is the great matter – this life that I can live for the One who already did die – to not just protect me – but to give me life.

Deep Breaths:

1. Reread Psalm 131 ask God to speak to your heart as you reflect on these verses.

2. I am grateful for Angie’s honesty, letting us into those all-too-familiar thoughts. Take a moment as we confess our ugly thoughts and ask God to help us exchange pride for His compassion.

3. God desires your heart to be His home. Does He dwell there? He stands at the door and knocks, but it is up to you whether or not you will let Him in. I pray you will today. For in Him is found lasting hope…a secure, eternal home.