Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
Psalms 103:2 NLT
This has been a week. Friends have passed away. Team members are experiencing big things in their lives. Stress is present. Exhaustion is real. We don’t have enough staff for the opportunity in front of us. The biggest challenge of the week is spending time with God. It has been a struggle with days beginning early in the morning and ending late at night.
I like working hard. I do not like missing time with God in conversation, reflection, scripture, prayer, and rest. Being with God is more than a ritual or routine. It is the relationship that provides strength, wisdom, compassion, courage, and forgiveness every day.
The biggest challenge in these times where I miss time with God is how quickly I forget all of His presence and faithfulness in my life. Exhaustion gives way to the “false fruit” of perceived failure, taking me down a line of thinking that moves me away from all that God is doing.
Psalm 103 is focused on bringing all that we are into the presence of God and remembering all He has done and is doing. So, here I am around the campfire, with everything I have left in me, sitting with God, remembering, and reflecting on everything He is doing. It is wonderful.
Reflection
By the campfire, God reminds me of His love for me. He is answering some very specific prayers. His forgiveness for me is real. Even through this week, I know of God’s care and protection. We have served schools, churches, and ministries doing work around the world just this week. Individuals have experienced help and joy this week. God has provided comfort and encouragement to people that I love who are going through loss and hurt. He has granted me wisdom where I did not know what to do. He has given me an increased tenacity to love others. He is teaching me about waiting patiently.
I have been reminded that the measure of my life will not be found in accomplishments. The only lasting thing I have to give that will last beyond my lifetime of God and His love. God will be there for future generations. God will be loving them, caring for them. My life is short and meaningful. I am grateful to God for it. There is rest in knowing that God has asked me to trust Him and be faithful in my relationship with Him. He will lead and provide all that is needed in this life.
Encouragement
Sit down with God. Read Psalm 103. Take time to remember and reflect with God on His faithfulness. You will see Him everywhere in Your life, as You spend time with Him. He loves You.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
Thank You for being so faithful. Thank You for helping me remember and reflect. You are amazing. Thank You for this time together.
In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen