Reviving the Soul - I need it daily, do you?

Most days I ask God to place people in my path, Divine appointments.  I'm pretty sure that more often than not, I miss those Divine appointments by steeping in my own thoughts.  Do not over-steep the tea or it will become bitter.


I get tired of my own thoughts!  That is why I find so much refreshment in the book of Psalms and Proverbs.  The verses relate to where my thoughts often start, but they take me to the place I want them to land...in the hands of Jesus.  

 2 Corinthians 10:5 even warns us to keep our thoughts in check, "... take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  As God's children, we fight our battles with His Divine power, as talked about in the verses leading up to verse 5.  So why do I often wield my own sword?!

 During my deepest grief I had a counselor who wisely suggested that I read Psalm 119 because it is so repetitive with truth - 176 verses!  It would prove to help me jump off the "merry go round" of my own grief stricken thoughts on days when I was paralyzed with hopelessness.  I found rest in the truths about God's Word, and the power of His Word to heal.  Out of complete excitement and sincerity I have long written about the power of God's Word.  However, I needed help getting back to my true source of life and nourishment.  We all need help, reach for help!
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 I ended up writing out the Psalm, 8 verses each morning, and sometimes more.  I ended up writing Psalm 119 several times, never looking at the length of the entire Psalm, but just at a few verses a day.  It's not like a formula where you write the Word and instantly feel better!  But the Word does instantly ground you.  Grounds you so you can look up.

 Steeping in the Word is different than steeping in my own thoughts.  Over time and repetition, the richness of the Word brings "life and healing to the bones." ( Proverbs 3:8)  I found it to be true, like Jeremiah said, in one of my favorite verses, 23:29, "Is not My word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that smashes a rock?"


I shared this with my Proverbs 3:5-8 friend and added, "I want to be His Image bearer, I yearn to be, I long to be, I seek to be, I pray to be, I trust to grow to be..."

 All that leads me to this morning.  I began my quiet time reading from "The Works of Mrs. Anne Steele."  Her poetry lead me to Psalm 116.  I have long loved this chapter because the the imagery of God bending down to hear our prayers and praises.  From there I jumped over to Psalm 119, a sweet friends just sent me the passage she is writing and meditating on right now.  The timing could not be more perfect as I am sensing the familiar darkness that tries to pry itself back into my soul in September.  Some embrace the change from August to September, I fight it for many reasons personal to me.  The Lord has been gentle with my soul this morning, may He be near to you as well.
Mrs. Anne Steele

The photos in this post reflect the blessed quiet time of His Divine appointment with me today.  He strung it all together, not me!  Even as I typed the words from Proverbs 3:8, I was not aware it was Proverbs 3:8!  God just brought the words to mind.  AND it just so happens that another friend is praying out Proverbs 3:5-8.  I went to write it out and discovered the tapestry of God's Divine appointments coming to life today.  I'm so encouraged today by the Lord's ever present nudging and constant care in healing.  He sees, He knows, He is making a way.














Psalm 19 is often mentioned as a mini reflection of Psalm 119!
Links to some of my favorite encouraging songs right now:

Surrounded - Michael W. Smith

Highest Praise - Amanda Cook

So Will I (100 Billion X) Hillsong United

All My Hope - Passion

Give Me Jesus

Seasons - Hillsong Worship

Be Still My Soul - Kari Jobe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq59iE3MhXM

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