3 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Psalm 77-78
Romans 16

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Psalm 77:14 (CSB): “You are the God who works wonders; …”

Reflecting on God’s Word

Sometimes, life can become busy and somewhat chaotic. If we aren’t careful, times like that will begin to affect us in negative ways. We need to find a constructive way to get things under control and regain our joy if we’ve lost it.

Last week was a bit busy for me. As a pastor, I have many responsibilities as the shepherd of the wonderful congregation I serve. I had a very full week. By the time Saturday arrived, I went to my wife’s school to help her set up in preparation for her students’ arrival soon, but I also took my laptop because I hadn’t yet finished my Sunday morning sermon. I woke up the next day (Sunday) tired. By Sunday evening, my energy tank was empty and my brain had hit a wall. As I stood before the congregation to give the evening sermon, I looked at my sermon notes, and they seemed to be just a bunch of gobbledygook. I was exhausted.

As I look back over the list of things I did, I can really only think of one thing that could be dropped. And you’re reading it. I consider it a privilege to serve those in my congregation, and at least for now, I don’t want to give up anything I’m currently doing for them. So, as I prioritize my responsibilities, writing daily devotional articles would come toward the bottom of the list. That’s why I no longer write articles on weekends and occasionally skip a day or two during the weekdays.

Last week is past. But I was still a bit weary from it. So, I went on a hike today (Tuesday, August 26). There is something absolutely rejuvenating about immersing myself in God’s creation and pushing my body to sweat and my lungs to demand more oxygen. As I push myself toward physical exhaustion out in God’s creation, I feel spiritually and emotionally recharged. So, I hiked 7.37 miles today, climbing a total of approximately 1,712 feet. While I’m currently physically tired, I feel spiritually and emotionally replenished.

That’s where the verse I chose for today comes in…

Psalm 77:14 (CSB): “You are the God who works wonders; …”

There’s something about getting out in nature, being caught up in the beauty and wonder of it all, and being moved to praise our “God who works wonders.” The craziness of life can wear you down, but there’s something about enjoying nature and praising the Lord that can build you back up.

Let me end by sharing a few of God’s wonders that I captured in pictures today.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you carve out time to spend in nature, relaxing and praying.

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of White Hall Baptist Church in Richmond, Kentucky (whitehallbaptistchurch.org)