Slowing Down for a Moment 
This devotional was written by Robin Dugall

God, my shepherd, I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Psalm 23:1-3    


Did you know that a study was presented to the USA Congress back in the 1960s that said we would become so technologically sophisticated before the year 2000 that we would have to work only 5 to 6 hours a day.  The “experts” said that the big problem of the 21st century would be what to do with the extra leisure time.  Right! Technology has served to speed up our pace of living. Today, most of us are busier than ever!

When was the last time you cherished a moment?  When was the last time – you had the time – to simply focus on how you were going to be obedient and responsive to the will and heart of your God?  When was the last time you spent time with God as a natural response to the moment – without any outside encouragement or guilt to motivate you?

Right now, I encourage you to tell the Lord your God that you so desire the fullness of His presence in these moments.  Here is a guide to help you fill these moments with His presence and the enjoyment of your relationship with Him:

Say, “The Lord is my Shepherd."
Thank your Lord that He knows you by name and wants to spend these moments with you.  Talk to Him about cultivating an ever-increasing intimacy with Him.

Say, “In Him, I shall lack nothing. The Lord is my provider."
Thank your God that He provides all your needs.  Ask Him to carry your worries, burdens, and cares.

Say, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside quiet waters. The Lord is my peace."
Thank your God for His attention to the details of life.  Tell Him you want to see Him more clearly in the details of your life.  Ask your Lord to give you His peace.

Say, “He restores my soul. The Lord is my healer."
Thank your God that He understands everything you are experiencing in life.  Thank Him for being your healer and restorer.  Recall in these moments the times where His restoration gave you life.

Say, “He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. The Lord is my righteousness."
Thank your Lord for His guidance in your life. Thank Him for the complete acceptance that He has given you as a gift of His mercy and grace.  Ask Him for His righteousness to be revealed in your life.

Say, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. You are God who is here."
Thank the Lord for His presence that calms every fear.  As the book of Hebrews reads, “I will never leave you are forsake you”.

Say, “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
Thank the Lord for His authority in your life to discipline, correct and give you.  Thank your God that you can never mess up so bad that you would fear punishment by Him.

Say, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. The Lord is my banner of victory."
Thank the Lord for His strength and protection in your life!

Say, “You anoint me head with oil.  My cup overflows."
Thank your God for His grace, mercy and favor.  Ask Him for the enjoyment of His presence during these moments of quiet.

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GOING DEEPER:

1. What changes in your life might you need to take in order to nurture a quieter heart within you?

2. Where do you like to go to be quiet before God?   Make plans today to go there in the next few days for some refreshment with the Lord.

FURTHER READING:

1 Kings 19:9-15; Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:1-8


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