Toward the end of 2017 I decided I needed a new devotion book. I wanted something that had a verse and a paragraph of encouragement to start my day. Something not too entailed because I spend a lot of time studying anyway and I simply didn't need to add to that. I did however, need something to boost my personal devotion and prayer time. So I went to the store.
I stood in front of the shelf and read over the various titles. True, you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I did. I found a pretty little book. It had everything I was looking for (more than I imagined!) so I picked it up and headed for the checkout counter.
When January 1 rolled around, I was diligent to pick up my new little book and read the verse and thought for the day. As the days passed, I realized this was more than a casual purchase. I believe God had them make the cover pretty so I would pick it up! He had spoken through these writers and had them pen words He would use to penetrate my heart daily. I stand amazed in His presence as He uses the words these ladies wrote and applies them to my life. Sometimes the application is one of encouragement. Sometimes it is a direct piercing hit to reveal something I need to correct. Sometimes it soothes like the healing balm of Gilead.
I've been copying short portions in my journal along with the scriptures God gives me, and I am loving going back and seeing how God is working. On a particular day back in February, I wrote down several passages. Then I wrote this:
As I was praying this morning, the Lord impressed this truth upon my heart: Tend to yourself. Gently and lovingly. Like you would tend the most fragile plant in the garden. Tools must be sharp. The ground fertile and soft. Water, fresh. Continually drink up the water. You must in order to grow stronger roots. From those deep, strong roots will grow strong stems and leaves, pushing their way upward toward the sun.
You see, life gets busy. Crazy busy at this house! We have obligations and demands placed upon us from many sides. We go, go, go. We hurry to get to the next thing. We fall in bed late at night, sometimes having eaten dinner way later than anyone ever should. Then we get up early to make the appointments that must be kept. To do the chores that are required. To get to the places that need us there. And we ignore our own needs.
A couple of days later I wrote this:
I feel like the old toy train we had way back when. We would rev up the speed, and without fail it would derail. Then we had to take time to set each car upright, getting the wheels set on the track, connecting them together, before we could enjoy the fun again. Until we turned up the speed and watched it crash yet again.
I share my journal with you to encourage you. We all live crazy busy lives. Take some time to stop and let God pour over you. Soak up the living water. Listen to His truth. Allow Him to set you back upright on the path He has called you to follow.
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