Having two dogs, two cats and a gecko usually means there is always something to observe, cuddle, or throw outdoors. Dogs, for me, have been a large part of my habits of walking daily. They understand now that I get up and I walk them. However, when I decide to stay home for a break, or rest, all are mystified. They are sure I’ve forgotten so they stand at the door waiting. They know the shoes I pick up have different purposes. The walking shoes are the all time favorite.
I think when life crashes over us with storms on every side, we just don’t know which way to look. We look to others and compare. We wonder if it is some sin. If God moved this way for this friend, should I look for him to move the same in mine? Maybe these are just my thoughts, but every time the notice comes or the news drops or circumstances change, I wonder is this when God will move in this situation or that? I look for God to pick up the walking shoes, but right now I don’t see that.
The discipline of reading every morning paid off in dividends. So, I read a Psalm and Proverb every day. And today’s Psalm …well just read.
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; The humble and downtrodden will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, And let us lift up His name together. ¶I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. [Ps 73:25; Matt 7:7] They looked to Him and were radiant; Their faces will never blush in shame or confusion. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him And saved him from all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience], And He rescues [each of] them. [2 Kin 6:8-23; Ps 18:1; 145:20] ¶O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him. [1 Pet 2:2, 3]”
Psalms 34:1-8 AMP
This was the Psalm up today. He truly does speak through His word. The day in and day out of reading His word means things like this happen frequently. God asks for my worship and my trust. He asks me to continue to seek him. He delivers. He rescues. He hears. He encamps. Remember my soul, the Lord is good. And He is my refuge.
I listen to the Message version while on walks. It’s an easier focus for me. Read this passage in the Message version.
“I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. I live and breathe God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy: Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out. God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.”
Psalms 34:1-8 MSG
https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.34.1-8.MSG
Then another playlist I listen to every day is the words of Jesus and it just so happens that today’s verses are Matthew 6. I actually laughed out loud. Now you are just showing off, God.
Thanks for reading today. I want to keep writing so I can look back and see how He moved in the little and big ways. I want to be disciplined and turn my face to the truth. No matter what tight spot we are in, God sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Let us be caught praying at all times. May you be encouraged to run to him. Run with me.
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