God has really been teaching me this last year how essential it is to keep him the centre and focus of my life and heart... and how, when I do that, the rest of it... the chaos, stress, worry... it really doesn't matter so much.
I started writing daily devotionals every morning in September and decided to send them to a friend as a way to keep myself accountable. Since then it has expanded into a 17 person text/facebook message thingy. Most of the time people don't respond - but that doesn't matter... that isn't why I'm doing it. It isn't for validation of my interpretation of scripture or the recognition of dedication to this daily routine. I'm doing these daily devotionals to strengthen my relationship with God... and I send it to others in hopes that it may be an encouragement to them - that maybe what God is teaching me is something they also needed to hear today. Or maybe they don't read it at all. That's ok too.
It doesn't really matter to me what you do with it... but I thought that (when I remember) I'll post some of those here. My mornings are generally hectic with trying to get out the door for classes, eat a good breakfast, sometimes getting out for a run, and remembering to pack a lunch that it can be tough to get the message out to everyone. Sometimes it doesn't happen until the afternoon. But when I remember.. and when you feel like reading... there should hopefully be something here for you to read.
If I am way out of line with what I am saying, or how I have interpreted things... feel free to disregard my ramblings. I am not an expert - and I'm not going to pretend to be. These things are just what is on my heart.
Here is today's:
God is our refuge and strength, an
ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give
way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar
and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad
the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her,
she will not fall; God will help her at the break of the day. Nations are in
uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of
Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see the works of the LORD, the
desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the
earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with
fire. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I
will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob
is our fortress. (Psalm 46)
There are always woes, struggles,
challenges, fears, stress, heartache and worry to be found in our lives – well
actually (for me anyways) these aren’t things I have to look for, but the things
that often stand out the most. The things I have to look for are the joys,
triumphs, peace, love, rest and hope…. And THESE are the things that we really
need to focus on. Believe me… they are everywhere… and can be found in every
situation.
How? Where? Look around you! Not with your eyes though – they’re messed up. Look through God’s eyes. That is how you will be able to see the opportunities, the victories, the blessings that he has for you. Yes sometimes those things are clearly visible… even through our human eyes – but sometimes we need help to see them.
And not only do these things surround us – but they truly are within us. The Holy Spirit has brought the strength of God into our hearts. The Spirit has made a way for that river to flow through our lives. If it has the ability to “make glad the city of God” what do you think it is capable of doing in your life!?
No matter what troubles or impassable mountains are before us our refuge, strength and hope MUST reside in God – otherwise our situation is hopeless. We must stop our striving and simply be still. Know God. Know his character. Have faith in his sovereignty. Trust him. And walk through the day he has given you with thankfulness, joy and peace knowing that he works all things for good. He is never going to abandon you.
How? Where? Look around you! Not with your eyes though – they’re messed up. Look through God’s eyes. That is how you will be able to see the opportunities, the victories, the blessings that he has for you. Yes sometimes those things are clearly visible… even through our human eyes – but sometimes we need help to see them.
And not only do these things surround us – but they truly are within us. The Holy Spirit has brought the strength of God into our hearts. The Spirit has made a way for that river to flow through our lives. If it has the ability to “make glad the city of God” what do you think it is capable of doing in your life!?
No matter what troubles or impassable mountains are before us our refuge, strength and hope MUST reside in God – otherwise our situation is hopeless. We must stop our striving and simply be still. Know God. Know his character. Have faith in his sovereignty. Trust him. And walk through the day he has given you with thankfulness, joy and peace knowing that he works all things for good. He is never going to abandon you.
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