The Quill and Me—Devotional Blog•Oswald Chambers Reflections  
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Aug 11
Today's Reading: My Utmost for His Highest
2 Kings 2:11-12
"Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha . . . saw him no more"

When Alone—He is There

There are seasons when God teaches us by first removing everything familiar and comfortable. You are separated from your old life, you lose the support system that was always there, you have to go forward—alone.

You carry your responsibilities alone, no one has your back, no one is holding you up. 

You begin establishing what you believe—the truths you hold dear, the standards you live by, the boundaries you draw. You quietly decide, "As for me and my house..." and you stand on it. 

You enter a challenging time where every decision rests on your shoulders. You take the initiative. You become the only adult in the room.  And deep inside you wish someone else could step in and make some decisions for you or lighten the load. You grow tired of being the strong one. 

Then comes the moment when everything converges and it is just too much for you to handle—responsibilities, pressures, emotions, exhaustion. You are overwhelmed. You feel panic rising. You have reached your limit. 

This is the beginning of recognizing the truth of the matter: there is only you . . . and Him. 

You have no strength left. 

Your resources are depleted.

Your confidence is gone. 

You have nowhere else to turn but to Him. 
Dependence on God is the only thing left. 
He has always been there—He is still there. 

True.
Faithful.
Present. 

You end up on your knees calling His name. You are like the prodigal son, and He is Your Father, so happy to see you... open arms enclose you... 

You are home. 

Prayer

Lord,
You are my happy place
You are my home, my refuge
Your arms embraced me when I had no strength
You did not turn me away

I am with You now

Never to roam again

Keep me from harm

Keep me near

Keep me always

Hide me under the shadow of Your wings

I am surrendered

I love You, I need You...

I praise You and give You the glory in all things,

In Jesus' name, Amen 

~ Quil

Scripture References

God removes the familiar to lead us forward.

2 Kings 2:11–12 — Elijah taken up; Elisha must go forward alone. Genesis 12:1 — “Go… to the land I will show you.” Psalm 18:2 — the Lord is my rock, fortress, and deliverer.

I carry responsibilities alone, yet God steadies me.

Isaiah 41:10 — “I will strengthen you and uphold you.” Psalm 55:22 — “He will sustain you.” Psalm 73:26 — “God is the strength of my heart.”

I establish my beliefs and stand on them.

Joshua 24:15 — “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Psalm 119:105 — His Word is a lamp to your feet. Proverbs 4:26 — “Ponder the path of your feet.”

I take initiative when no one else can.

James 1:5 — God gives wisdom generously. Proverbs 3:6 — He directs your paths. Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you.”

The weight becomes too much — responsibilities, pressures, exhaustion.

Psalm 61:2 — “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock.” 2 Corinthians 1:8–9 — “We were burdened beyond strength… that we should rely on God.” Matthew 11:28 — “Come to Me… and I will give you rest.”

Panic rises and I reach my limit.

Psalm 94:19 — “In the multitude of my anxieties, Your comforts delight my soul.” Isaiah 26:3 — He keeps in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him. Psalm 46:1–2 — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help.

I discover the truth: it is me… and Him.

Psalm 73:23 — “You hold me by my right hand.” Deuteronomy 31:8 — “He goes before you… He will not leave you.” Psalm 16:8 — “I have set the Lord always before me.”

My strength ends, but His faithfulness remains.

2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you.” Philippians 4:13 — strength through Christ. Habakkuk 3:19 — “The Lord is my strength.”

I turn to Him because He has always been there.

Psalm 121:3–5 — He keeps your steps secure. Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” Hebrews 13:5 — “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

True. Faithful. Present.

Psalm 145:13 — “The Lord is faithful to all His promises.” Lamentations 3:22–23 — “Great is Your faithfulness.” Psalm 139:7–10 — His presence holds you.

I fall to my knees and find the Father’s embrace.

Luke 15:20 — the father ran, embraced, and kissed him. Psalm 91:4 — “He will cover you with His feathers.” Isaiah 40:11 — He gathers His children in His arms.

Prayer — God as home, refuge, and keeper.

Psalm 90:1 — “Lord, You have been our dwelling place.” Psalm 91:1 — “He who dwells in the secret place… shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 17:8 — “Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 121:7–8 — “The Lord will keep you… now and forevermore.” Psalm 63:7–8 — “In the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy… Your right hand upholds me.”

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