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Encouragement for Today - September 7, 2005

 

September 7

Encouragement for Today

 

“Focus on the Sunrise” – Part 1

Melissa Taylor, Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker Team Member

 

Key Verse:

 

Psalm 18:1, “I love you, Lord; you are my strength.”  (NLT)

 

Devotion:

 

I woke up today feeling beaten and worn down.  I really wanted to stay in bed.  How could I feel this way?  It was only 5:00 am; the day had barely begun.  I planted my feet firmly on the carpet beside my bed and made my way to the bathroom.  As I dressed, I could smell the coffee brewing downstairs and I could hardly wait to grab a cup and sit a while with the only One who could give me what I needed.  You see, today, I needed strength.  I needed it physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.  Life has been a bit unfair to me lately.  My dad has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  One of my children has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder.  My husband has been working extra hard and long hours.  Another child is being called names that make him cry.  My daughter is running a fever.  My uncle had a heart attack last night.  One of my friends is dealing with some devastating news.  A tornado came through our yard causing the destruction of two trees and our backyard fence.  I could keep going, but you get the picture.

 

As I sat down to enjoy my cup of coffee, I began to read a book that reminded me I was not alone.  I will be given the strength I need and direction I desire.  Of course, the book I’m referring to is the Bible.  It is God’s Word and this morning as I read some Psalms and verses in Isaiah, I was encouraged.  This morning God brought me words of His unfailing love.  He brought me reason to trust Him (despite my circumstances).  He brought me perfect peace that could not be offered anywhere else in this world.  Now, all of that, plus a good cup a coffee equals a great beginning to a day that seemed quite bleak just an hour ago.

 

I decided today that I would keep my eyes fixed on God and His promises.  I decided that I would not remain paralyzed, dwelling on the problems, but I would instead look to my Creator, Who is the Source of all strength.  I decided to draw near to God.  As I set out for my morning run, it was now 6:00 AM, and the beautiful sunrise reminded me that my God is bigger than all of my problems combined.  I choose to praise my Lord!

 

My Prayer for Today:

 

Dear Lord, today I claim You as my source of strength.  Thank You for speaking to me through Your Word.  Help me to keep my eyes on You and Your unfailing love.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

Application Steps:

 

Take an inventory of your thoughts today.  What are you focusing on?  Today, be intentional on keeping your eyes on your Heavenly Father who can and will take care of you and all of your problems.

 

Reflection Points:

 

Did I begin my day in the Word of God?

 

Am I claiming God’s promises for my life?

 

Do I believe what God says?

 

Will I choose to praise the Lord today?

 

Power Verses:

 

Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”  (NIV)

 

Psalm 143:8, “Tell me in the morning about your love, because I trust you.  Show me what I should do because my prayers go up to you.”  (NCV)

 

James 4:8a, “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.”  (NLT)

 

Additional Resources:

 

Message of the Month Club

http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/resourceMessage.htm

 

Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God, by Sharon Jaynes

http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_becomingAWoman.htm

 

Living Life on Purpose, by Lysa TerKeurst

http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_livingLife.htm