He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul.
Yes, He does. This love driven spiritual rejuvenation, this soul deep restoration is nothing we can drum up on our own. But it does require a continual choice to say 'no' to less urgent invitations so that we can say 'yes' to precious quiet time with the One who redeems, restores, renews.
We devote ourselves to these unhurried sacred moments because we're in love with our Savior and our desire is to nurture that love. For a quiet time is all about going deeper into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through the invitations that solitude, Bible reading, and prayer offer.
And perhaps reaching a bit out of our well-worn comfort zones by exploring the impact of journaling, song, art, or dance on that soul connection to the Holy One who created the very creative essence of who we are.
Let's cast aside those worn and weary devotional times that are legalistically mandated, those guilt driven disciplines that do nothing but bore or frustrate us and bring no pleasure to Him.
Let's say a farewell to any kind of reading check-lists or marathons that leave us feeling less than, resentful, or empty.
Let's get creative about rekindling this sacred love relationship with a renewed passion. For He is worthy of our adoration.
And if other things have crept in to our morning hours and have stolen prime time from our one True Love, let's get serious about giving those things a hard look. Especially anything associated with technology, screens, and online activity.
For He is so very worthy of our absolute best.
& ...
* A great big thank-you hug to Emily Freeman for sharing this little 31 Days gathering on her blog this weekend. Yeah, seeing my name over there kind of took my breath away. A special welcome to all her sweet people who've been dropping in to join the party!
Be sure to check out Emily's Simply Tuesday Hustle-Free Book Club that begins this Tuesday over at {in}courage. Who doesn't love a great book club! Just too fun!
* Be sure you're in the running for one of the FREE 30 MINUTE 1 - 1 PHONE COACHING SESSION giveaways! Click on the link below to get the details ... and catch up on any posts you may have missed!
Because we love Him, Amen! and congrats on the feature! Well deserved!
ReplyDeleteAnd we love Him because He first loved us!
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I love this psalm. I often quote it as I walk the secret path that runs along the beach here.
ReplyDeleteAfter a morning of online stuff, I'm ready for a psalm or two ... and that walk!
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Linda, your words goes perfectly with the verses I have been meditating on as I have been going through a study of the book of Galatians that deal with freedom. All too often we can slip into doing good things out legalism and miss out on the joy in serving and sitting with the Savior.
ReplyDeleteI love Galatians! And I love seeing you again, Wanda!
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Congratulations on the feature, Linda! Are you joining in the Simply Tuesday book club? Started the book this weekend and am loving it.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your series, friend. : )
Emily's blog is one of my favorites ... I would love to do that book club, but right now am 'simply' focusing on doing 31 Days well.
DeleteChoices, choices. I do love a good book club and miss the one I was in back in NY.
{sniff, sniff!}
I love your call to saying yes to those things that truly matter. I am working on that area of my life but I have so far to go still. So glad you are highlighted at Emily's. You know how much I love her and her writing. Thank you for the invitation to go slow and deliberately. Hugs and blessings!
ReplyDeleteWell it sounds like I'm in very good company, 'cause saying 'yes' to the things that really matter is always a wrestling for me too, Mary ...
DeleteI guess it's just one more reason why we try to live out that verse in Hebrews about encouraging one another daily.
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When will we learn to stop listening to the world and start listening for Him? The 1-2-3's will not work long term---it's about finding Him--pursuing time with Him--hearing His voice and YES deepening that sacred romance with Him.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Post, Friend!
You've described our relationship with Him in such beautiful words, Lulu ... sacred romance. Who could desire more than to be drawing closer to the One who loves our souls so deeply.
DeleteOur pastor is doing a sermon series from Psalm 23. It's so good. Love you, friend. You bless me. <3
ReplyDeleteSometimes we need to visit those most familiar passages and gain fresh insight from God's Word and those who teach it.
DeleteAlways good to see you here, friend ...
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I got tickled all pink when I saw your name on Emily's blog. God really does like to give sweet surprises. :)
ReplyDeleteThe word is SHOCK! Pure and simple!
DeleteSo amazing. What a grace.
Say no to say yes. What a valuable lesson that I need to practice more often. Thanks for this truth, Linda. You have such a sweet way to remind us of bad habits we need to drop. :)
ReplyDeleteSomehow, saying 'no' is getting easier as I get older, Lisa. Less need to be a people-pleaser? Laziness? Better awareness of who I am? Acknowledging less energy than before?
DeleteNot too sure, but I like this place. I feel His pleasure in it ...
Wow, Linda! This is so beautiful and stirs my heart. I've been experimenting lately with getting creative in my quiet time. I didn't know about your series! Will be checking in for sure. I'm so glad I was your neighbor at #livefree
ReplyDeleteWell I'm glad you're my neighbor over there today, too, Betsy! We're just getting rolling so you didn't miss a whole lot.
DeleteEnjoy!
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