Monday- Pray. Psalm 88:1
“When we seek GOD’s face- which is essentially what prayer is- we will never be the same. We either choose the call to submit and glorify him. Or turn our back and flee in the opposite direction. There is no middle ground. No staying the same. No apathetic indifference. Speaking and listening to GOD draws us closer to Him, opens our eyes to his presence, empowers us to sacrifice in love, strengthens and encourages, prods conviction and confession, purges our guilt, wraps us in mercy and grace, and -most importantly- takes the focus off of us and places it on Jesus.”
Tuesday- When We Don’t Desire GOD. John 14:18
“You aren't alone. You aren't alone in wondering why you can’t fully follow GOD. You’re not alone in walking through this precious, confusing journey we call life. You’re not alone in your struggle with the human condition. You’re not alone in seeking GOD because everything else brings nothing but emptiness.”
Wednesday- Pursuing Joy. Psalm 90:15
“…the last thing I desire as a human being is pursuing GOD. Sure, I make an effort. But only after I’ve done what I want to do. After the task at hand, be it fellowship, shopping, the game, Facebook chatter. No matter how hard we try, we are sinners in desperate need of mercy and grace. We long for help, assistance in breaking out of this confining flesh and depraved nature. And that only comes from GOD. By his Spirit, he bends our spirits toward himself. He helps us recognize our need for Him and then, if we are willing, dwells within us, empowering us to do (and be) the impossible! “
Thursday- Seeing and Savoring. Psalm 34:8
“Thomas taught me an eternal lesson. “Not taste and see that His gifts are good…but taste and see that the LORD GOD is good!”
From that moment, I wanted to see and savor Jesus the way Thomas does. To see GOD not with physical eyes through his gifts (as good as those can be also). But spiritually seeing the beauty of GOD. Alone. Sovereign. The glory. And not only to see it but to savor it. To desire nothing in this life but He. And let my love for everyone and everything else trickle from that truth.”
Friday- The Waiting. Psalm 30:5
“When we’re consumed with the litany of pot holes in our journey, we’re always looking down. Our eyes only see all the damage and danger. But if we brave to look up, to see the prize at the end at the end of the journey. This makes this bumpy journey not only bearable but joyful. We witness Jesus, grinning and arms outstretched, willing us to the finish line. We will trip up, skin our knees, bruise brittle bones, battle the conflicting voices in our heads. But with faith, patience, perseverance, and persistence in and through Christ, we will reach that glorious day. “
