“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.“He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (New International Version) (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
Jeremiah means both men and women, of course. We’re planted, alright, but the busyness of life can leach our focus off of God. Sunday morning worship ….
In North American society, it feels like we go to church for a serving of spiritual teaching but then head back into daily life. Life which, no matter how wonderful, can wear us down. I don’t know about you, but before too long I’m battle-weary and drained. I’d love to spend hours alone with God, or immersed in a Bible study or inspirational book, but the time isn’t there.
Most days, I crawl into wakefulness early so I can have time with God before the world starts its demands. I love my sleep, but it’s a necessary sacrifice. Still, I long for more. I miss the close times with the LORD. My hope with this blog is to share a little encouragement once or twice a week, a spiritual snippet to re-energize us.
Great idea for a blog ! I look forward to many visits to be uplifted and spiritually renewed throughout each week.
Hi Joanna:
Seems like you have been reading my mail (laugh). Your offering for today sounds very much like my experiences from day to day. I will be visiting your blog often for a spiritual respite.
Monica
Thanks for the spiritual encouragement. You’re absolutely right, we live in a very busy world and have to learn to take some extra time to give ourselves the boost we need to make it through another day. I look forward to reading more.
Good job, Johanna. Sometimes we just have to make that conscious effort to spend time with God otherwise the hours slip by like moments. Thanks for the inspiration. As you help us dwell on the things of God, may it become a blessed habit that we crave daily. Smiles, Glynis
Good for you. I am so glad that you figured out on your own how to blog. I will be touching back each week to have a spiritual surge. Right now I should be praying but I left my computer on last night by mistake – and oops here I am. Time to start my day again with the LORD.
Your Sister in Christ,
Jan
Great blog, I have it bookmarked. You’ve hit the nail on the head. I long for the days when I made the time to relax in the Light, you’ve inspired me.
I look forward to your weekly words of encouragement!
Thanks for sharing.
Kimberley Payne
http://www.kimberleypayne.com
Great thoughts on a busy Monday – where my prayer list waits for me to slow down long enough to use it!
I will add your link to my blog too, and come back here often!
Elsie
Thank you all for the warm welcome! The LORD help us to be intentional about spiritual refreshment, so He can bless us with more of Himself. Marie, I love the image of relaxing in the Light. Glynis, I add my Amen to your prayer that we dwell on the things of God until it becomes as natural a craving as breathing.
My plan is to post on Wednesdays, since by then our Sunday glow can fade.
Love in Christ,
Joanna
PS Many thanks to the friendly folks at WordPress — they make it so easy to set up a blog. And when I got myself into a mess, someone else had already posted the solution in the forums.
Dear Joanna: Thanks for the words of inspiration. It seems that the hours go by so fast some days that it’s evening before I realize I haven’t taken time out for my Bible and Prayer time. I will be checking your blog regularly for an uplift. I think you will be uplifted as you inspire others. Love, M.
Hmm, yeah, I can identify with not finding time… I thought that while being at home with my baby, I’d be able to get back into a regular devotional habit. Hasn’t happened yet – there isn’t any sort of routine around here. Blogs like yours are a great reminder, and I can check them quickly while bouncing baby. Thanks for the uplift and the verse.