Focus

Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.

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Read

Psalm 19:7-14 (NRSV)

The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the LORD are sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

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Reflect

Fall is my favorite season. The weather cools, the humidity fades, the days get shorter, the pesky geese migrate south, and my internal compass points in the direction of the nearest apple orchard (preferably one with a bakery!). Give me a hot apple fritter, a cold glass of fresh apple cider, and a jar of apple butter. What more could I want?

If only it were always apple season.

Or maybe not. My appetite for apple fritters is probably not the bottomless pit it appears to be, and if they were available every day, I suspect that one day I’d have had my fill.

Unlike apples, God is never “in season” or “out of season.” God simply IS—everywhere and all the time. The psalmist recognizes God’s goodness and glory in both the world (vv. 1-6) and the Word (vv. 7-10). Across the universe and across the span of time, God is fully present—and God’s majesty is on display.

Everything about God is worth pursuing; desirable beyond any other treasure (even apple fritters!). My appetite for God should never be satisfied, but I know that I am guilty of taking God’s presence for granted.

Lord, forgive me.

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Pray

Lord, rekindle our desire for you.
Renew our passion to know you better.
Help us to treasure your word once again.
Reshape the words of our mouths
and refocus the meditation of our hearts
so that we will be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, our rock and our redeemer.
Amen.

Go with God!