Recently I’ve been looking back and in so as to prepare to look forward into the new ministry year. I just finished a week of vacation at the beach (holiday on the shore) and an additional week of unplugged time from most screens and most ministry related conversations (essentially, a second week of rest). I returned with enthusiasm to my inbox and conversations with fresh heart and mind after two weeks of investing in my own body, soul and spirit.
Upon my return, what I heard was an interesting common theme from many time zones: “I’m struggling.”
This is NOTHING new. Sadly. There is a widespread malaise among Christians that is steeped in fear, anxiety and doubt. If you’re in this boat and are drifting, trust me, dear reader, you are not alone.
As I read or listened, I noted an underlying need.
We need to enlarge and raise our view of God!
“Okay. Maybe.” You might reply. “But how?”
Here’s a specific how.
Psalm 136.
Invest a week or so marinating in Psalm 136 first thing. Then you will see if God enlarges your view of Himself as you meditate on Hos word. Don’t study it, just read it, slowly, repeatedly, for a week or so.
Bathe in God’s word.
Copy it down in a notebook, phrase by phrase so as to slowly soak it in. You might even try what I do each morning, listen to a recording of the text and read along. (YouVersion has several audio Bibles built in.) Three times.
Then after a week or ten days go to Psalm 139 and repeat the process.
This discipline should be a supplement to your regular Bible reading and prayer not replace it. I think, I hope, I pray it helps. It helps me.
“It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever;” (Psalms 136:23 ESV)
It is true, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
We need less reading about the Bible and God, written by well meaning people, and more listening to God through His own word.
Don’t have time? Turn off this screen and open the Scripture.
kingdom travelin' 