I’ve appreciated over the years how blessed I am to have grown up in a home where my mom had us commit scripture to memory. Quite often, as a child, I would simply memorize the words out of chore, with no concept that they meant anything significant to me. Throughout my teen and adult life, both in times of trial and times of triumph, the words I dutifully memorized (way back then) have come back to me in the most opportune times! It’s on my mind this week because I’ve been thinking about the busyness of preparing to take 3 days away from “normal life” so I can immerse myself completely into DEVOTED CONFERENCE next month. Making plans to take a few days away from my normal responsibilities can feel a bit stressful. This brought me to Psalm 23. It was a challenging WHOLE chapter I was once required to master. In a moment of feeling the stretch, those words came back to me… “He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul…” I ran to my Bible and read the words again. This time with fresh adult eyes. Oh my Jesus, how good you are! You long for us to feel your sweet presence in the midst of our full lives!
I want to challenge you today, as you contemplate all the things on your task list, to take a few minutes to read the verses from this beautiful Psalm – maybe even take the time this week to memorize them. Let yourself be reminded that God wants to be your peace and comfort, your protector and your strength, no matter what’s on your plate today or next month! Invite Jesus into your world, moment by moment. You might be surprised at how confident you feel at the end of the day. That’s that “peace that passes all understanding” Philippians 4:7 talks about 🙂 God wants so much more for you than to just get through your day – he wants to walk you through the valley of the shadow of death with no fear! As you prepare to take the time to attend DEVOTED CONFERENCE, let him be the peace in the center of your plans. I know he will honor your faithfulness of putting time with him first, and he will do more than you could ask, think, or imagine in your heart throughout the conference weekend.
My Prayer: Sweet Jesus, I thank you that you care about every detail of my day. I pray that instead of fixing my eyes on the overwhelming tasks and responsibilities of life, I would focus on the greater purpose of what you have for me. Please walk beside me today with your peace and comfort and strength. I know that when you are guiding my emotions and actions, I can accomplish anything with confidence. Bring to my mind your scripture today as I need the encouragement. I walk in your peace because you are with me. Amen
Psalm 23 (KJV) “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Love,
Sarah Hummel