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.
Lastly, imagine all of what’s on your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations, your agendas, your to-do lists all as fading clouds that are moving away so we can see the beauty in the night sky. They are reflecting the beauty that God sees in you. Put it all aside and stop to rest.
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.”
