Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Psalm 19 (NRSV)

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament[a] proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.
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;[d] 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

Though in preparation for sermons and Bible studies I read God’s Word and pray each day, Scripture study and meditation for my personal edification has never been natural for me. Sometimes I am like a chef who prepares food for others all day and somehow forgets to eat. We all need to spend time in God’s Word for our own benefit. For some people, morning time in God’s Word works best; it launches their day on the right footing. Others are simply not morning people and need to find another regular time to meet God in Scripture.

Composer, singer, and comedian Mark Lowery tells the story about some of his friends who would get up at 5:30 a.m. to have their quiet time with God. To hold themselves accountable, his friends started to call each other to make sure they were doing their devotions. Like most entertainers, Lowery is a night person, so he named his bed “the Word.” His accountability partner would call at 5:30 a.m. and Lowery would fumble for the phone, pick it up, and answer, “I can’t talk now, I’m in ‘the Word’.” For many people, Bible reading, study, and meditation are difficult, but it is always rewarding. Read and meditate on Psalm 19 and see if it inspires a greater understanding and love for the gift of God’s wonderful Word that we find in Scripture.

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Pray

Gracious God, we praise You for Your Word and all that it contains. We are thankful for both Your spoken Word, the Bible, and Your Living Word, Jesus Christ our Lord. Help us to meditate on You. Amen.

Go with God!