STOP

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”  Day after day and night after night, the skies do proclaim a beauty that is sometimes hard to explain or describe.  As the skies are indescribable, at sunrise, at sunset, after a storm, it is not even close to how indescribable the beauty of God and following his law can be.  When you are in need of rest, we get to see a little bit of the beauty of God by going outside and looking around at the beauty he has set up for us. It’s important to simply stop and do that, to stop and admire what he has for you.  

EXHALE

Next, breathe.  Breath in and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs.  Find peace in Christ. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.  

As you inhale pray, “The heavens declare  As you exhale, pray, “the glory of God”

LOOK

Let’s look at the word of God today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. 

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.  Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the earth. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.  The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.  The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.  Who can discern his errors?  Forgive my hidden faults.  Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.  Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.”(Psalm 19:1-4; 7-13 NIV)   

ASK

What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. What in creation takes your breath away?  David in Psalm 19 describes the law of the Lord as perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, sure and altogether righteous.  Which word do you consider describes the God’s word to you?  It says it revives the soul?  Which part of the God’s word revives your soul? It says it makes wise the simple.  Where are there simple things that need to be made wise in your life? David asks “who can discern his errors [and] forgive my hidden faults?” Where are there hidden faults in your life?  How do you discern what has been done wrong in your life?  He also asks that he be kept away from “willful sins”  Sadly, we have those in our lives too.  How can we confess those over to the Lord?  David then asks “may they not rule over me.”  How often do you let your past sins that the Lord has forgiven rule over you?  When do you let them stay with you instead of releasing them?  I pray that as you read about how we are to “keep [the law and] there is great reward” Let that phrase bring your rest and comfort.  

HEAR

What is God saying to you? Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do?  Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, pray this verse: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

STOP

The Lord is described in so many different ways within Psalm 18. He is known as the Rock, strength, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, salvation, and stronghold. I love this image of a shield, though. When we call Him our shield, we are saying that he is in front of us. We are facing our enemy. He is before us. He not only takes on whatever is coming our way, but he is present in the war before us, and with us. He has not left us.  

EXHALE

Next, breathe.  Breath in…and out…in…and out.  When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.  

As you inhale pray, “He is a shield” As you exhale, pray, “for all who take refuge in him”(30b)

LOOK

Let’s look at the word of God today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully.  Read it a few times.

“To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless, you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked, you show yourself shrewd.  You save the humble, but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You , O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.  With your help, I can advance against a troop; with my God, I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. [....]He trains my hands for battle;my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great [...] You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet [...] The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!  He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, who saves me from my enemies.”(Psalm 18:25-30;34-35, 46-47 NIV)   

ASK

What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. Psalm 18 is the 3rd longest psalm in the bible; it spans and summarizes David’s struggle with Saul.  No wonder he uses words like rock and shield.  One of the beautiful parts of this psalm is how David continually turns it all back to God as his constant Savior. Looking at the whole Psalm, we see David, at the beginning seeking God when he was in distress and God came down in a powerful way.  David continues to talk about how the Lord fought his battles for him.  The Lord fights for him and then fights his battles.  Who fights our battles?  Do we allow the Lord to fight our battles?  Do we turn our victories back to God?  There’s this verse in there that says, “You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light” Do you allow him to shine into your darkness?  Do you allow him to be the everlasting lamp burning for you in order to tackle any of the darkness that comes your way?  

HEAR

What is God saying to you?  Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart.  Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.”  You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do?  Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, do you consider God your shield, your rock, the one who is fighting for you, wanting to rescue you and fighting your battles for you?  

For further study, you can read 2 Samuel 22 where this psalm is recorded.  You can also read 1 Samuel 31 through 2 Samuel 2 to see what has happening that would cause David to be so overjoyed, why he would call the Lord his rock, his deliverer. 

STOP

Rocks. They can be thrown, they can be moved, they can be collected, they can be observed and admired, but most importantly, they can provide protection and shelter. It’s in this way that David addresses the Lord as his Rock.  He says that the Lord is his fortress and deliverer, where he takes refuge, his shield and stronghold. When you are firm on a rock, hidden away near a stable rock, one can find rest.  As you begin your quiet time, start it on solid ground.    

EXHALE

Next, breathe.  Breath in…and out…in…and out.  Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs.  Find peace in this thought.  When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.  

As you inhale pray, “I love you, O Lord”  As you exhale, pray, “my strength, my rock”

LOOK

Let’s look at the word of God today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully.  Read it a few times. Notice which words or phrases stick out to you.

“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.  The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me [...]In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears [....] He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy[...]the Lord was my support.  He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.  The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not done evil by turning from my God.”(Psalm 18:1-4; 6,16-17,18b-21 NIV)   

ASK

What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. David starts this poem out in utter praise; he tells us of the enemy and then how the Lord responded to his need.  Why did the Lord come to his rescue? “He rescued me because he delighted in me” (vs:19b).  When you are in distress, do you turn to the Lord? What do you turn to?  Who do you turn to?  Yourself?  The Lord not only rescued him because he delighted in him, but “according to [his] righteousness; according to the cleanness of [his] hands he has rewarded [him]” What about your hands?  Do you have clean hands in front of the Lord?  Righteousness? Do you have a “right relationship” with the Lord? But it is so important to note that he first rescued him because he simply took delight in him.  He takes delight in you.   

HEAR

What is God saying to you?  Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart.  Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.”  You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do?  Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, ask yourself how you are doing with keeping the ways of the Lord, not turning away.

For further study, you can read 2 Samuel 22 where this psalm is recorded.  You can also read 1 Samuel 31 through 2 Samuel 2 to see what has happening that would cause David to be so overjoyed, why he would call the Lord his rock, his deliverer. 

STOP

The apple of your eye. What an idiom! Does this mean that there are apples in people's eyes?  Does this mean that if we are considered the apple of someone’s eye that we look delicious? Just kidding. The phrase simply means that one is favored, meaning they are in the pupil, the middle,of the beholder's eyes. I don’t know about you, but I want to just be in the eyes of the Lord, that he sees me. I assure you, the Lord is watching over you. What if we were to wish, like David does, to be kept in the apple of the Lord’s eyes, in the very middle of his eye? Knowing that He is watching us should give us comfort and rest.  

Try starting with this:  

EXHALE

Next, breathe.  Breath in…and out…in…and out.  Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs.  Find peace in this thought.  When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.  

As you inhale pray, “Show the wonder”  

As you exhale, pray, “of your great love”

LOOK

Let’s look at the word of God today. Notice which words or phrases stick out to you.

“Hear, O Lord, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer–It does not rise from deceitful lips. May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.  As for the deeds of men–by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.  My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped. I call of you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.  Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me [...]You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up weath for their children. And I–in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness ”(Psalm 17:1-9;14-15 NIV)   

ASK

What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. David starts this psalm as a prayer with a request, but not just any type of request, an actual plea.  Have you ever pleaded with the Lord? Did he answer your prayer?  Do you ever try to justify why God should hear your plea?  Like David does when he says, “may your eyes see what is right,” or when he says, “though you may test me, you will find nothing.”  But if we are honest, would He really find “nothing.” If you are anything like me, God will find a sinner in need of Jesus’ grace freely given on the cross.  However, even though we are sinners, I think we might be able to say, “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.” Resolved means that you have come to the conclusion, in way that is firm, an end to something.  Have you resolved to not sin with your mouth?  

HEAR

What is God saying to you?  Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart.  Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.”  You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do?  Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time,  meditate on the last line of this psalm.  It says that “I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.”  Are we satisfied in seeing his likeness in us?  Where do we resemble his likeness in our daily walk?  

STOP

Have you ever wanted your body or brain to work on something while you are asleep? Like read a book or study for a test while you are resting your body? Have you ever thought about how well you are protected and being taught at night by the Holy Spirit? Today, how can you rest in the thought that in the psalms it says that “even at night, my heart instructs me”? Take comfort knowing that while at night, while we are at rest, our hearts are instructing us. That should give us rest.

Try starting with this:   

EXHALE

Next, breathe.  Breath in…and out…in…and out.  Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs.  Find peace in this thought.  When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.  

As you inhale pray, “Keep me safe, O God, ”  

As you exhale, pray, “for in you I take refuge”

LOOK

Let’s look at the word of God today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully.  Read it a few times. Notice which words or phrases stick out to you.

“Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods.  [...] Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I have set the Lord always before me.  Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”(Psalm 16 NIV)   

ASK

What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. Have you ever inherited something?/wish that something will be inherited to you?  David says that “surely I have a delightful inheritance.”  What does that look like to you?  Looking over your calendar this week and how you spent your time, what would you say you took delight in?  Would you be able to echo “Lord you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure”?  Or do you find yourself always wanting more than what has been provided to you?  What “gods” are you tempted to pursue and run after?  What sorrows then do they bring to you?  Do you allow him to instruct you at night, when the darkness is around you?  Do you follow His counsel?  

HEAR

What is God saying to you?  Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart.  Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.”  You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do?  Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, ask yourself if your heart is glad, your tongue rejoicing, and your body able to rest secure knowing that you will not be abandoned.

STOP

To dwell in the sanctuary of the Lord. Wow! Can you imagine how awesome this would be? However, how often do we find ourselves dreaming of awesomeness here on Earth instead of the amazing dwelling that would happen with Jesus in our midst.  Today, how can you rest in the thought of wanting to dwell in His presence instead of our own individualized dreamy dwellings?  How can you get away from it all and

Try starting with this:  

EXHALE

Next, breathe.  Breath in…and out…in…and out.  Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs.  Find peace in this thought.  When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.  

As you inhale pray, “O Lord, ”  

As you exhale, pray, “may we dwell in your sanctuary”

  As your inhale and exhale this prayer, make it a question, then make it a statement.

LOOK

Let’s look at the word of God today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully.  Read it a few times if necessary. Notice which words or phrases stick out to you. Read it twice.

“Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?  Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.  He who does these things will never be shaken.”(Psalm 15 NIV)   

ASK

What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. Who may dwell in the house of the Lord?  Who may live on his holy hill?  Do you want to live in the presence of the Lord?  There is safety and comfort in it. As you reflect on the psalm, there were some requirements to being in his presence. Is your walk blameless?  Is what you do righteous? Do you speak truth from your heart? Do you allow slander from your speech? Do you wrong your friends in words or actions?  Do you allow any slur about your neighbor to come from your lips? Do you truly despise evil?  Do you find honor in those who fear the Lord, who keep their oath to the Lord?  Do you keep your oath to the Lord?  Even when it hurts? Do you lend money freely without desiring it back with interest?  Do you ever accept bribes against your friends, even in jest? Are you building this type of character in order to have a strong firm foundation that will not be shaken?  

HEAR

What is God saying to you?  Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart.  Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.”  You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do?  Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, go back through that list of characteristics that put you in position to dwell in his presence.  Ask yourself this: If doing these sorts of works creates a foundation that won’t be shaken and allows us to dwell in His presence, what is holding us back from wanting that? 

STOP

What do you think of when you hear the word foolish? Do you think of a person?  Do you think of an activity? What do you consider to be foolish? What acts make someone a fool? Have you ever felt like a fool? Foolishness lies in turning away from God.  But you chose to be with the Lord today, in these still small moments.  So, just simply pause and let Him speak to you. Sit for five minutes with God, rest and pray to Him and put aside all of your foolish things that distract you.  

EXHALE

Next, breathe.  Breath in…and out…in…and out.  Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs.  Find peace in this thought.  When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.  

As you inhale pray, “God is present”  

As you exhale, pray, “in the company of the righteous”  

LOOK

Let’s look at the word of God for you today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully.  Read it a few times if necessary. Notice which words or phrases stay with you. Read the whole Psalm for full context.   

“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.  All have turned aside. [....] Will evildoers never learn-those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the Lord? There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge.  Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!”(Psalm 14 NIV)   

ASK

What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. When have you been foolish? What tempts you to think “There is no God?”  How does our distance from God affect our behavior?  How does our closeness to him affect us? In what ways do you notice your demeanor and happiness increases the longer you are in the presence of God in the company of the righteous? Can any of us truly understand God, even if we are seeking him? Where do you see evildoers frustrate your plans?  What part of your life runs without regard to God?  How can you run to the salvation that the Lord is offering and rejoice in it?  

HEAR

What is God saying to you?  Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart.  Now pray:  “Speak Lord.  Your servant is listening.”  You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit. Don’t rush this.  Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do?  What is he telling you about your relationship with Him? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. Let him. To finish up your quiet time, reflect on times that you have been foolish in your relationship with God.  When have you been distant from God and been one who had turned aside?  When have you felt devoured by people and expectations? When have you felt overwhelmed with dread?  Take refuge in the Lord; take refuge in the company of the righteous.

STOP

Have you ever felt forgotten? Ever felt forgotten by God? Have you ever wondered just how long it will take for your prayers to be answered? Have you ever felt that no one is listening to your prayers? This type of feeling is normal. However, it shouldn’t stop us from praying. We will never understand the timing of God, and he wants to hear from you. It’s in those moments that we need to pray more. So, when you go to be with God, there’s literally nothing better for you to do than to just simply pause and let Him speak to you. Sit for five minutes with the creator, rest and pray to Him and lay it all down.

Try starting with this:

Lastly, imagine all of it, your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations, your agendas, your to-do lists as simply a list in a planner that can be done another day. We can rest in Him, knowing He has got it all taken care of with His loving hands. He’s already written out your plans; we just need to wait on the Lord.

EXHALE

Next, breathe. Breath in…and out…in…and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in this thought. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.

As you inhale pray, “I will sing to the Lord”

As you exhale, pray, “For he has been good to me”

LOOK

Let’s look at the word of God for you today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. Read it a few times if necessary. Notice which words or phrases stay with you. Read the whole Psalm for full context.

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my fores will rejoice when I fall. BUT I will trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.”(Psalm 13 NIV)

ASK

What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. What three parts do we see in this psalm? When have we at first questioned God? When have we, like David, wrestled with our thoughts and each day have sorrow in our heart? Do you feel like there is an enemy triumphing over you daily? After questioning God, do you ever put your requests to him? Do you ever cry out, “Look on me and answer?” No matter the amount of questions and requests, the response is:“But I will trust” We might have to wait, but our response needs to be that we will trust in His unfailing love. Our heart should still be rejoicing over our own salvation, our own freedom from chains. And as we wait on the Lord to answer us, why not sing of the times that he has been good to us.

HEAR

What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit. Don’t rush this. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do? What is he telling you about your relationship with Him? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. Let him. To finish up your quiet time, simply talk to the Lord. Start a line of questioning that begins with “how long…” Ask him questions and tell him what you need. End your time with the Lord like this: “BUT I will trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.”

"Psalm 13" by Shane and Shane live from 2006. Amazing how they can take David's words and put them into song form, modern for today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eLMr6ZUDQo

STOP

Words have weight. Have you ever thought about how heavy your words are?  The expectation of the right words, the hurt from the wrong words said, the regret from not saying words are all situations in which our words carry weight. When you go to be with God, there’s literally nothing better for you to do than to just simply pause, take away all of the words and still, letting Him speak to you, letting Him give you the right words. Sit for five minutes with the creator, rest and pray to Him and lay down your words.

Try starting with this:  

EXHALE

Next, breathe.  Breath in…and out…in…and out.  Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs.  Find peace in this thought.  When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.  

As you inhale pray, “O, Lord”  As you exhale, pray, “You will keep us safe”  

LOOK

Let’s look at the word of God for you today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully.  Read it a few times if necessary. Notice which words or phrases stay with you. Read the whole Psalm for full context.   

“Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.  Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, “We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips-who is our master?” Because of the oppression of the needy, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.”  And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. O Lord you will keep us safe, and protect us from such people forever.  The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.”(Psalm 12 NIV)   

ASK

What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. How important do you consider words to be?  Words can be used for good, but they can also be used for lies, for flattery, and for boasting.  When have you been hurt by a lie?  When have you been hurt by someone boasting about something they have or can do that you cannot?  When has another’s words of false accolades or flattery cause you to distrust them or lose respect?  When have we struggled and been boastful?  What about the little lies that we tell that hurt more than we know?  What does it mean that “the words of the Lord are flawless”? His words are truth, there is not a hint of anything false in them. Are you trusting his words so that you can trust him to guide your words?

HEAR

What is God saying to you?  Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart.  Now pray:  “Speak Lord.  Your servant is listening.”  You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit. Don’t rush this.  Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do?  What is he telling you about your relationship with Him? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. Let him. To finish up your quiet time, evaluate the weight of your words. How often do you feel the weight of someone else’s words? Consider the words of the Lord, the weight of his authority.

STOP

There’s a certain weight to our everyday life. For some, it may be heavy, and for some it may be a light load. Whatever the weight, what if we set it down for a while and rest from the heavy load of life? Even a little bit of weight gets heavy with time. When you go to be with God, there’s literally nothing better for you to do than to just simply pause and be with Him, letting him speak to you, letting Him lift the weight from you. Sit for five minutes with the creator, rest and pray to Him and lay down your weights.

Try starting with this:  

EXHALE

Next, breathe.  Breath in…and out…in…and out.  Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs.  Find peace in this thought.  When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.  

As you inhale pray, “In the Lord” As you exhale, pray, “I take refuge”  

LOOK

Let’s look at the word of God for you today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully.  Read it a few times if necessary. Notice which words or phrases stay with you. Read the whole Psalm for full context.   

“In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.  When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” [...] He [The Lord] observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.  The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates.  On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur [...] For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.”(Psalm 11:1-3, 4b-6a, 7 NIV)   

ASK

What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible.  What is a place of refuge for you?  Where do you go when your foundations are being destroyed?  We are told to “flee to our mountain” or to go to our own source of refuge, but how often are we still attacked there in the shadows? What places of refuge does the world urge upon us, telling us it will be okay if we rest there? And resting there doesn’t provide rest. What does it mean to then find refuge in the Lord?  When the Lord observes and examines you and your heart, does it find it righteous and upright? We know that God will reap down justice on the wicked, but the righteous will see his face. What does it mean to be upright?  When he examines you, will he find you upright?  

HEAR

What is God saying to you?  Listen to hear his still small voice.  Quiet your mind and search your heart.  Now pray:  “Speak Lord.  Your servant is listening.”  You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit.  Don’t rush this.  Based on the scripture you read today, is there anything God is asking you to do?  What is he telling you about your relationship with Him? Read the scripture again if you need to.  God is speaking to you through it. Let him. To finish up your quiet time, examine your heart. What weight are you carrying with you each and every day?  When you laid them down and listened to the Holy Spirit, were you able to see your heart more clearly? Was it upright? What does that relationship with God look like? Is it righteous?  Ask him to show you more about how to release what you are carrying and form you more into a person that looks like Jesus