Sunday Psalms: Psalm 5 is not for night owls

 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

    in the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly.

—Psalm 5:3 NIV

Us in 1989

 

As a working mother of three, time alone with God seemed an insurmountable challenge. I’d read a verse or two from my Bible at bedtime when I could hardly keep my eyes open, then mumble a prayer as I drifted off to sleep. Then I attended a women’s retreat where the speaker challenged us to spend an hour a day in prayer, promising it would change our lives. It seemed she was asking for the moon. The only way I could see to make that happen was to rise an hour earlier in the morning. An extra hour meant setting my alarm for 5:30.

I did it. Crawling out of my warm bed when that annoying alarm went off was the last thing I wanted to do. Thankfully, we’d already learned to keep our alarm clock across the room, eliminating the snooze option. I made myself a cup of coffee and lit a candle, then plunged in. I discovered that by journaling my prayers first and reading scripture second, my eyes were opened to the cries of my heart before I feasted them on God’s word. His promises began to jump off the page and fill a need. Not every day. But often enough that the habit became something I wanted to do. Like returning to a good novel to see what happens next, I wanted to see what God had for me that day.

Thirty years later, I’m retired. Yet I rarely sleep past six, eager to continue this intimate relationship with my Lord.

 

Questions for Reflection: What steps am I willing to take to experience increased intimacy with God and let Him set the tone for my day?

WHY CHRISTMAS 2020 COULD BE YOUR BEST

In 2018, I heard an idea that intrigued me. Since the Gospel of Luke is 24 chapters long, the plan was to read one chapter a day starting on the first of December and finishing the book in time for Christmas. Luke begins with the birth of Christ and covers his life, so by the time you reach December 25, you have gained a much better handle on who we’re celebrating and why.

I took the suggestion a step further by purchasing a nice journal (I like the spiral-bound kind so you can easily use both sides of every page). Each morning, as I read the day’s corresponding chapter, I would write out whichever verse jumped out at me. Then I’d fill the rest of the page—and usually one or two more—with my own observations, prayers, and plans. Even a little decorating with gel pens if the mood hit me.

I made it an annual tradition and determined two things: to use a different version of the Bible each year, and to try to read Luke’s account with the eyes and mind of someone who has never heard the story before. I used The Message in 2018 and NIV in 2019. For 2020, I plan to use the good old King James version. It’s fun to look back in this December journal and see what I wrote in previous years.

I confess, the externals surrounding this exercise add to the attraction. The quiet of the wee hours while it’s still dark. The glow of the Christmas tree. The warmth of my fake fireplace. The fragrance of a nearby candle scented like cinnamon rolls. Soft instrumental carols playing. A fresh cup of coffee with my favourite creamer at my elbow. All senses fully engaged, ready for what God wants to show me.

I enjoyed my morning routine so much that when I reached the end of Luke, I wanted to continue. That’s when a friend told me about sweetblessings.com. Shannon Long describes herself as, “Wife. Mama. Techie. Brain tumor survivor. Kindness ninja. Lover of Jesus & all things monogrammed & random acts of kindness.” Each month, she puts together a Scripture Writing list of 31 short passages (2-10 verses each) that addresses a common theme. She creates an attractive, printable check-off sheet. You can choose the month she designated or any theme that meets your need. Some of my favorites have been Courage, God’s Timing, and Perseverance.

Writing out the day’s passage in my journal triples the effectiveness over simply reading. I’m slowed down, forced to focus on every word. Making them tactile and personal helps me remember them better. I fill the rest of the page and the few that follow with my own journaling, like I did with the December book. I rant and I ramble. I figure God knows my thoughts anyway. Writing them down helps me sort them out for myself.

I challenge you to try it this December. If the practice turns out not to be for you, that’s okay. It’s only 24 days. But I believe God will honor your desire to know him better. If you find you love it and want to continue, check out the Sweet Blessings website.

This year’s Christmas will be different from any you’ve experienced. Why not make it a “good” kind of different? Without the frenzy of frantic shopping, parties, and concerts, is it possible you could discover that elusive ‘peace on earth’ in the middle of it all?  Could this be the year we finally remember what Christmas is all about?