Dec 15, 2011
Tough time reading the Word this morning
Tough time
I opened to Micah 1, and started reading.
But my mind drifted — a financial advisor is recommending a change in portfolio — should I make the change in our retirement account?
Oops. Back to Micah 1.
But a few verses later – my mind again drifted — that would be a great idea for a blog post!
Oops. Back to Micah 1.
Tempted to give up
I was tempted to give up. “This just isn’t going to happen.” “Maybe I’ll be able to focus more tonight.”
But then I remembered Psalm 119:36 —
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain.
That implies a promise — that if I pray and ask, God will incline my heart to His testimonies. Which means He will help me desire His word, focus on His word, and concentrate on His word.
So I stopped and prayed
So I stopped my reading, and prayed. I turned to God through Jesus with my distracted heart, and asked Him
- to help me desire His word more than money or blog posts.
- to help me concentrate.
- to give me something helpful from His word.
And then I started reading again.
It was better. Much better.
From Micah 1 I was stirred to care for the poor. From Job 34 — not much. But from both John 18 and Revelation 11 I felt Jesus stirring me to be more bold in witness.
What I learned
This is taught me a couple things —
- That no matter how unspiritual I feel, Jesus will help me
- That Jesus has the power to change my heart
- That Jesus really is full of mercy
One more thing
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(Picture by abcdz2000 at stock xchng.)
Thanks for sharing, Steve!! I always appreciate your honesty & the reminder that everyone struggles with focusing sometimes…but not to give up & come back later – deal with it NOW by bringing it before the Lord! Thank you.
Thanks for your thoughts, Michelle. Isn’t it a kindness of the Holy Spirit to have Psa 119:36 in our Bibles? I find it SO encouraging.
Press on, sister!
WOW! Simply powerful.
Thanks Steve for the encouraging word to meet with God.
Hi Willie — we prayed for you, your wife, and the work last night at Missions Prayer. Good to hear from you — thanks for the comment.
Yes, me too. I frequently have to pray, “God, capture my mind.” It can drift at the slightest wim or suggestion from something in the room, a noise, whatever! It does help me to speak that prayer. He DOES answer prayer!! I have never had a good “built-in” time clock so frequently found myself concentrating on watching the time during my devotions – so I wouldn’t be late for work, some appointment, etc. One day I got smart and set a timer. What freedom!! Amazing the distractions used against us.
Thank you so much sir,truly I have been blessed through your ministrations. I believe my prayer life will never remain the same again.Glory to God