6 Minute Read
Be Still
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Today’s Bible Reading:
Isaiah 30:12–33:9
Galatians 5:1-12
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 23:22
Listen to the Lord
Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Psalm 63:1-4 (NLT): “O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.”
Reflections from Scripture:
I have chosen a larger than usual passage for the verses for today. Today. Each verse was so special that I just couldn’t decide which one to leave out. So, I included them all.
Essentially, the Psalmist is speaking of how much he craves and enjoys his God. Like someone dying of thirst would crave water, he craved to enjoy his God.
But he’s more specific than that. There is a concrete, objective reason why he enjoys his God so much. In verse 2, the writer recounts how he has meditated on his God in the sanctuary and been overwhelmed with thoughts of God’s power and glory. In verse 2, the writer acknowledges that thinking about and experiencing God’s love for him is better than anything life has to offer.
These are just some of the reasons why the Psalmist is enjoying his God.
Friend, are you enjoying God? Do you crave Him like someone longs for water as they are dying from dehydration? Do you meditate on His attributes (power, glory, love, etc.)?
Christianity certainly has its God-given aspects of religion. But, ultimately, it is a relationship! It is an invitation into a relationship with the God who made us. And that relationship will never, ever reach a point where we grow bored of it. There is always more of God to learn about and enjoy.
So, today, reengage in the adventure. Know and enjoy your God. He’s been reaching out to you and simply waiting on you to reach back.
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, there is always more of You to enjoy than what I am experiencing. So, help me to progress in my relationship with You. Help me, out of that soul-satisfying relationship, to find it easier to obey You. I pray in Your Name, Amen.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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