Why read a devotional and Scripture every day, one might ask? The question I often find myself asking is, “How can I even go a day without reading my devotional and Scripture?”
God seems to know exactly what I need to read, and of course He does, for He is God. Nothing is hidden from Him. Not a single thought, nor emotion, or tear.
We may be praying the same prayer for a long time, way longer than we would have anticipated or liked. We wonder why He is taking so long to move or answer? Where is He? Has He forgotten about me or even heard my prayers?
Please read:
“See, I am in all things. See, I do all things. See, I never remove my hands from my works, nor ever shall without end. See, I guide all things to the end that I ordain them for, before time began, with the same power and wisdom and love with which I made them: how should anything be amiss?”
(from 4”“Day Journey with Julian of Norwich, Lisa E. Dahill, Editor, page 96)
Our God not only is lovingly looking over our world, His creation, He is lovingly looking after each one of us.
There is not a day He has not been guiding, protecting, and providing for us.
“Mark this – God is our God forever and ever, guiding us to the end.” (Psalm 48:14)
Let that set in a bit, sinking into your soul. Our God, who lovingly, and with power and authority, created our world and us, has never ceased to love and have power and authority over all things. He has never left our world, or our lives, unattended. Not for one second. Our God is still looking over everything with the same love, wisdom, grace, and mercy as when He first created everything. That will not change.
“In this endless love we are led and protected by God, and we shall not be lost … And just as we were to be without end, so were treasured and hidden in God, known and loved from without beginning … I saw … in everything that before God made us He loved us, which love was never abated and never will be.”
(from 4”“Day Journey with Julian of Norwich, Lisa E. Dahill, Editor, page 96)
We are chosen, treasured, and loved and nothing will ever be able to change that truth.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3, NASB)
God spoke these words to His people, and where were they at the time? They were in the wilderness, in the very place where they found grace (see Jeremiah 31:2).
Today if you are in midst of a painful or challenging time, may you know and be assured that our God will provide grace in the wilderness.
So, why read a devotional and Scripture every day, one might ask?
The Lord holds and sustains us by His Word.
We truly cannot live a day
without Him in our lives.
This post by Karrilee Aggett was not shared in the linkup but her words on the quick passage of time were a blessing. Her post, Quick (found HERE), be an encouragement to many this week!
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Christoph von Gellhorn on Unsplash
Today I may be joining …
Amen. When I first became a Christian as a teenager, I was encouraged to read the Bible every day. I may have started because I was taught I should. But it wasn’t long before I kept reading because I wanted to and needed to.
Barbara, yes (!!!) we start because we should and then we come to realize how much we need to and how much we long to read His Word. So very true! It’s amazing how He develops our appetite for His Word.
Joanne, I agree, I simply cannot imagine living a day without spending time in scripture. As Job says in Job 23:12: “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”
I love the excerpt from Julian of Norwich-oh how profound and comforting to know the depth of God’s care for us!
Donna, thank you for including the verse from Job. Oh, that we would treasure His Word daily, for it is what we need to be sustained. The Julian of Norwich quote has been a lifeline these past two weeks. God’s love leads us, protects us, and is ever with us. He cares for us so gently and in perfection. {{hugs, sweet friend!}}
Amen! I agree, Joanne, I could not live without His Words of Life each day.
Thanks for sharing, “Mark this ”“ God is our God forever and ever, guiding us to the end.” (Psalm 48:14) Guiding us to the end, which makes me think of Phil. 1:6 which promises me the good work He began in me will be completed.
How would I know that if I’d not been in the word? His promises mean everything to me!
I’m like the violinist who reported on his practice schedule with the admission that if he missed a day, he noticed it in his playing, and if he missed more than a day his audience could tell. I need daily doses of truth to keep me on track””for everyone’s sake!
I love the violinist analogy! I remember when my children were young, one day when I was a little bit impatient, I was asked if I had done my devotional that morning. Not realizing where it was going, I admitted I had woken a little late. To which my child responded, “I knew it.” Wasn’t being disrespectful but was just making an honest observation. You are so right – “daily doses keep me on track – for everyone’s sake!”
“We are chosen, treasured, and loved.” Your message brings such comfort and assurance, a reminder of how much our Lord loves us. Thank for sharing.
I’m with you Joanne & echo your following statement;
“The Lord holds and sustains us by His Word.
We truly cannot live a day
without Him in our lives.” Amen & amen!
And nor do I want to live a day without Him.
Bless you sweet friend,
Jennifer
God’s words sustains us. Amen. I know when I’ve felt too busy to be in His word, I grow tired. Am I tired from the busyness or from not being in His word? I am learning it just may be the latter…
Oh, Joanne. Your words are so timely for me … just this morning I was complaining in my prayers about how long I’ve been praying for the same thing for one person, and nothing seems to be changing. I needed to be reminded of this: “I guide all things to the end that I ordain them for.” That song was a sweet blast from the past too … we’ve listened to a LOT of Avalon at our house over the years!
I spent time reading Ps. 119 this week. Wow! What a good reminder of how much we need God’s word every moment!