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How Do I Hold Fast to the Blessed Hope? Psalm 24

/ Anthea Kotlan / 2 Comments
A photo of an Advent Wreath on the Second Sunday of Advent.

In the days and weeks leading up to Christmas Day, I find my schedule filling to overflowing. Amazing events celebrating the season sprinkle across my calendar. Each neat square gets covered like an overly decorated Christmas cookie. And as a mother, grandmother, wife, ministry leader, and writer, I feel the pressure to buy all the things, bake all the things, create all the things, and be all the things for the most wonderful time of the year.

Prayerfully entering Advent during the four weeks leading up to Christmas day can transform this frantic time. Taking time each week to prepare my heart for the celebration of Jesus’ birth shifts my perspective away from the frenetic demands of this world. On Sunday, December 5th, the Second Sunday of Advent, this prayer will be prayed in Anglican churches around the world.  

Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.    Amen

Anglican Church in North America Book of Common Prayer 2019 page. 598

Inside this prayer I find a clear directive to, “hold fast to the blessed hope of everlasting life.”  

In His kindness, God doesn’t simply direct us to do this in our sheer willpower. Instead, He provides believers with the “bread” for this sacred journey, God’s word. We are to hear, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest Holy Scriptures.

Praying through each verse of Psalm 24 can be a wonderful way to implement this practice. This psalm serves as a call to worship Christ our King of Glory. These verses remind us of Jesus’s kingly attributes.

1 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.

(Psalm 24:1-2 ESV)

Our King owns it all.

If I recognize Jesus today as the King who owns the entire world, and the fullness thereof, can I hold back from feeling the pressure to take care of all things that come to my mind? Can I lay that down today and bow to Him, my loving King?

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.
(Psalm 24:3-4 ESV)

Our King provides access for His people to worship Him.

Jesus’ death on the cross gives me access to worship Him. In my own efforts, I can never have clean enough hands or a pure heart, but Jesus paid my debt for me. Today, I will choose to lay down my own efforts to measure up.

5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
Psalm 24:5-6 ESV

Our King works through generations.

Whenever I see the word Selah weaved into the Psalms, I know a particularly profound declaration has been made. The word Selah signals me to pause and drink it in. I need to take note of Jesus’s promised blessings on those who seek Him. Even better news, He speaks of generations because His Heavenly Father works through families.

My relationship with Jesus has a profound effect on the generations that come after me. Because I am adopted into the family of God, my very identity has been changed. I have become the daughter of the “Most High King”. I am grafted into God’s family and so my daughter’s daughters will be affected by my choices. While each woman and man who comes after me will have to come to his or her own saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, our lineage will be profoundly altered by the change in my status.

7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!
Psalm 24:8-9 ESV

Our King reigns for eternity.

Jesus reminds me to lift up my head and shift my perspective from being caught up in my everyday stress. As I look up and see the blue skies, the trees of the field, my grandson’s face, the stars in the night sky, my temporary afflictions pale in comparison to the greatness of my King. He is strong, mighty and will win the ultimate battle and reign eternally.  

9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah
Psalm 24:9-10 ESV

Our King requests greater access to our lives and hearts.

Jesus is asking me today to open my heart and my life more fully to His presence. My tendency, when faced with challenges, is to close up. I need more of Jesus in my life for the ongoing work of sanctification and transformation.

Closing Prayer

Lord, in this season of Advent, help me to hold fast to the Hope I find in you. Open my eyes, heart, and mind to your word every single day. I truly need more of You and Your word. Amen.

How will you hold onto hope in the season of Advent?

An Advent Interruption – Psalm 16

/ Anthea Kotlan / Leave a comment
(An Advent Wreath with the first candle lighted. )

This time of year, Christmas can feel like a destination found at the top of Mount Everest. So, loaded down with a backpack full of expectations, I slowly make forward progress up the mountain.

Interrupting my expedition, the Lord invites me into the season of Advent. When I go to church on Sunday, November 28th, our church, with churches all over the world, will light the first candle on the Advent Wreath. This lighted candle reminds me to mark the first Sunday of the Advent season.

I find a moment to pause in the soft glow of candlelight to consider what is most important to me. I set down that heavy backpack and pray.

A Prayer for the First Sunday of Advent

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(Anglican Church in North America Book of Common Prayer 2019)

Advent, an essential part of the liturgical calendar for believers worldwide, gives me a season of 4 or 5 weeks to prepare my heart and mind for Jesus’ birthday on December 25th. The tone of the prayer above reflects so clearly the struggle we live in between Jesus’ birthday and Jesus’ great return.

Spiritual darkness surrounds each of us, so I must find ways to put on the armor of light and cast away the works of darkness. If I am so focused on the arduous climb up the mountain to Christmas day, I might miss out on my need to prepare myself spiritually. Advent is a gift of margin at a time of year when excess can overwhelm me.

Today I am praying through Psalm 16 with Advent on my mind.

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”

Psalm 16:1-2 ESV

O God, you hear my cry to be preserved and you answer with your presence where I can take refuge and rest. There I find clarity. Being with You is a way I can put on the armor of light.

In Your presence, I realize that all I have does not compare to you, Lord.

In Your presence, I know I can hold loosely to anything else I possess.

In Your presence, I can give up having it all.

Great freedom is found in this place of surrender. I am no longer weighed down by what I feel I must have.

I have all I need in You, alone. Sitting in this truth remedies the drive to find perfect Christmas gifts for everyone and spend my free time shopping.

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.

Psalm 16:3-4 ESV

Thank you for the gift of a faith community. Friends and family who follow You fill my heart with delight. I see a greater revelation of who you are, Lord, in how your image is reflected in each of their lives.

Give me compassion for those who run after and worship another god. Keep me accountable to pray for them to see and seek You.

Help me see opportunities in this Advent season to share the real reason for Christmas with my circle of influence. Help me to invite those who might not have a church home into mine. Let me cast away the works of darkness by practicing intentional hospitality.

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

Pslam 16:5-6 ESV

Lord, You make provision for me for now and in this season of waiting for Your son’s return.

Guide me through Advent and help me make more room in my heart for You. You are my chosen portion. May my checkbook ledger and schedule reflect that truth.

What could I give up to make more head and heart space for Advent contemplation?

What could I take on to help me spend more time with You?

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Pslam 16:7-8 ESV

Thank you for the encouraging guidance found in Your word.

Even in the dark night, when I don’t know where to turn, the Holy Spirit brings truths from the Bible to mind.

As I am prone to get lost and disoriented, thank you for the supernatural GPS system of guidance you provide. As I light a candle on my Advent wreath, may I find ways to share the light of Christ this week?

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol or let your holy one see corruption.

Psalm 16:9-10 ESV

Lord, I thank you today for my salvation. Your son came near, died on the cross, and rose again to give me access to You. Help me to find ways to walk in that peace and security today as a way to cast away the darkness. Through the saving work of Jesus’s death on the cross, I have light living inside me. Help me to shine.

11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 ESV

Lord, thank you for this first week of Advent. Help me take time to be in your presence and refill my heart with the joy found there. Help me to be ready to share joy with a watching and weary world. As I spend time with you each morning, dress me in the armor of light, so I might bring you glory. Amen

This year the first Sunday of Advent is November 28th, the second Sunday of Advent is December 5th, the third Sunday of Advent is December 12th, and the fourth Sunday of Advent is December 19th. So stay tuned in December for more posts on Advent. I hope you will consider taking the Advent journey with me this year.

How do you and your family celebrate Advent?

*You might have noticed that this is a second journey through Psalm 16. I believe the psalms are amazing pieces of Biblical wisdom that can be used to process various emotions. Hence, the term: soul tending in the psalms.

Hide and Seek: Where do I go to be more Present with God? Psalm 27

/ Anthea Kotlan / 2 Comments

Hide and seek with a toddler is a gloriously simple game. I cover my face then peep out over my hands, and say, “Boo!”

This is enough to send my granddaughter into fits of giggles.

Now that she is two, we even scamper around the living room and down the hall and back around. I pretend to chase her and then cut back the other way and circle around in the opposite direction. When I come towards her, she is genuinely surprised and joyful to see me again. It is gloriously fun, and the laughter continues.

My granddaughter loves to spend time with me. I don’t have to impress her with anything other than being fully present with her. I try my best to set aside my “To Do” list and be fully focused on whatever we are doing together. As a young mother years ago, I failed to do that far too often. In this second time around with my grandchildren, I’m trying to enjoy the wisdom that comes later in life. Most of the other stuff can wait. Being fully present overflows with rewards for her and for me.

God loves for me to be fully present with Him. As I pray through Psalm 27, I am reminded of all God is doing for me.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 
Psalm 27:1 ESV
2 When evil doers assail me, to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. 
Psalm 27:2 ESV

Where do I hide when life feels dark and overwhelming?

In a dark world, only God can provide true light to guide me. He provides a place of respite where I can hide and be protected. My heavenly Father is omnipresent, so this place can be anywhere I cry out to him. While I am unlikely to face any cannibals this week, I may find those whose words tear my flesh with sarcasm and harsh judgment. It is, however, not up to me to take out those who cause me grief. God has a way of sorting them out in His ways and timing.

3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. 
Psalm 27:3 ESV
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. 
Psalm 27:4 ESV

Where can I worship and wonder?

Sometimes when I feel particularly surrounded, I might need to go to a physical sanctuary where symbols and structure can serve to remind me of God’s presence. Perhaps there is a church sanctuary or chapel that I could spend some time in praying or being silent? Is there a weekday service that I could go to and find an extra dose of gazing upon the beauty of the Lord in his temple? Just spending half an hour wondering about God in His house might refresh my spirit in new ways.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. 
Psalm 27:5 ESV
6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. 
Psalm 27:6 ESV

Where can I hide and give my offerings?

Spending time outside in God’s amazing creation can also refresh my weary soul. God’s great outdoors contains mountain majesties, wooded sanctuaries, rocky platforms, and so many holy spaces. These are places where I can offer up sacrifices of praise in the form of singing or playing an instrument before Him. Being outdoors resets my brain and worship refreshes my spirit.

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! 
Psalm 27:7 ESV
8 You have said, “Seek my face. ”My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” 
Psalm 27:8 ESV

Where can I know I am heard, seen, and protected?

Setting aside extra time this week in God’s word can be a great way to seek God’s face. As an audio learner, I find that listening to someone read the Bible can bring a wonderful new perspective. One of my favorite Bible readers is Max McLean on Bible Gateway. As I listen to a reading, with an open Bible before, I see new things I haven’t seen before. God longs to have a conversation with me. Too often I am very quick to speak and painfully slow to listen for His still quiet voice. When I don’t feel like God is listening to me, taking extra time to listen to Him always seems to shift my perspective. Often, He will speak into the very thing I am so concerned about.

9 Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! Psalm 
27:9 ESV
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. 
Psalm 27:10 ESV

Where can I find help and community?

Christian psychologist, Dan Allender teaches that parents should delight in their children. Like so many others, my family of origin was a bit more dysfunctional than delightful. My parents struggled with brokenness and did not have the resources of a faith community when I was a child. After I came to know Him, the Lord truly did take me in and provide family members inside my church. I am blessed to know some of those spiritual sisters, mothers, brothers, and fathers to this day. As much as it is possible, take time weekly to connect with your community.

11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 
Psalm 27:11 ESV
12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. 
Psalm 27:12 ESV

Where can I find instruction and a safe sanctuary?

The last 18 months have been full of change for everyone. Changing expectations, changing rules, changing ways of doing things, changing how we used to think about things…the constant is change. However, God does provide a level path with His wise and consistent guidance. God remains faithful even amid uncertainty. When I feel disoriented about someone saying something wrong about me, I can take it to the Lord and enquire of Him about what if any of it is true. He is my North Star and reliable guide.

13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! 
Psalm 27:13 ESV
14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14 ESV

Where do I wait and find the courage to persevere?

The Lord is always worthy of my waiting. While I find myself on pause, sometimes the best use of my time is to create a list of thanksgivings and review all He has done for me recently. These lists provide a visual of the goodness of the Lord where I can fix my eyes. Reviewing God’s faithfulness fills my heart and mind with the courage I need most to carry on.

Prayer

Lord, please cultivate in me greater faith in dark and challenging times. Help me to find safety in you alone and not escape into the empty ways of the world. Would you provide the will in me and the creative ways to set aside time only for you, Lord? Help me bask in your presence and focus entirely on you. Help me to regularly spend time in the spiritual community you have provided. Guide me to find time and space in Your house whenever I can. Let me always be found waiting for your goodness. Amen

How Do I Talk to God? Psalm 96

/ Anthea Kotlan / 3 Comments

(In the photo is a woman’s face reflected in a mirror)
  • What are three words that describe you?
  • What is something that most people don’t know about you?
  • Who is someone you admire and why?

Conversation starters like these can cut through the space and tension at a table when I find myself sitting with strangers. It might be a work event or a ministry meeting. I might be sitting alone with my thoughts surrounded by tablemates. I need to connect.

Questions, provided by a kind host, can help break through the ice that might form between those thrown together in purpose and place but with little commonality. The free-flowing conversation might begin as a trickle and rapidly move into a torrent of laughter and shared experience. Once it gets started.

Sometimes meeting with God feels like arriving at a table set for two and sitting down and not knowing how to start the conversation. My default setting is to move into a drive-thru mode and place my order and drive away into the rest of my busy day. “Please watch over my granddaughter today in her new class, please heal my friend who had surgery, and help my husband with a difficult situation at work. Thank you and amen.”

All for the sake of efficiency, I have “cut to the chase” and saved the small talk. I made my petitions. God knows what I need, and I can check daily prayer off my list. Right?

What if I had prayer conversation starters, like those questions I began with, available at my fingertips? How could I use those to enter conversations with God at a deeper level? Could I have discussions where I listen as much as I talk? Could I avoid moving with lightning speed to my goals and my own agenda?

The book of Psalms can provide prayer prompts. Psalm 96, likely written by King David, because it contains some direct quotes from him from 1 Chronicles 16:23-33 ESV. That passage reports about how David praised God when he brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem.

This psalm is a liturgy for worship and praise. It is designed to be declared aloud because sometimes we need to actively participate in praising God with every part of us.

This psalm is constructed like a set of concentric circles that grow larger. It first speaks to the people of God, then to all the nations, and finally to creation itself. This psalm takes the one who prays it and interacts with it on a journey that can shift perspective.

Why not join me on the journey as I process through Psalm 96? Read through each set of verses and then write out a response. 

1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

Thank you, Lord, for putting a new song in my heart today. I will choose to sing your praises today. Open my eyes to the opportunities you have placed in my path to share stories about what you are doing and have done in my life.

3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.

How can I help another person catch a glimpse of your glory, today? What can I do to be more faithful to testify about what you are doing for me and my people?

5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Lord, you are the creator of the heavens, and yet so many people do not see that. They are lured by what the world worships instead of you. What idols do I allow to distract me? Do I worship at the altar of people-pleasing? The icon of busyness? Lord, examine my heart to reveal anything or anyone I am putting before you.

7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! 8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts!

Thank you for working in my family to bring more members into your kingdom in recent months. What a joy it is to live to see answers to prayer after years of praying. Help me to continue to be faithful to living a generous life. Guide me to be quick to give sacrificially and according to your will.

9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! 10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”

Give me the courage to lift my voice to worship you, Lord in all places and with all people. Thank you that I can rest today in the truth that you reign. You have authority and do judge fairly and justly even when I don’t understand. Thank you for your work and reign that rolls out even when I can’t see it all working out.

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;12a let the field exult, and everything in it!

Show me each and every day your creation praising you. Help me to take note of the sunset reflecting your majesty across the sky, and the fields transformed from one season to another with vivid colors. Help me boldly call attention to these displays.

12b Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy 13 before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Lord, you started your story with a tree, and trees continue to point to your presence. Open my ears to hear the songs of praise that trees are singing for you. Thank you, Father, for seeing the righteous and the faithful. When you do come back, let me be found keeping company with these saints. Thank you that your judgments are wrapped in your faithful nature. You, Lord, see my heart completely and still love me well.

Have you ever used a Psalm as a conversation starter with God? If you try it, I would love to hear about your experience.

I created a simple worksheet for Psalm 96, feel free to download it.

psalm-96-conversations-with-god-1-1Download

How Do I Lament in the Midst of Joy? Psalm 77

/ Anthea Kotlan / 3 Comments
A woman sitting looking away in sadness.

Sometimes a day carries both joy and sadness in overflowing measures. I had a chance to witness an incredible event today with family and friends at our church. My niece was baptized. Somehow, in a moment, I could only see my sister was not there to share something we would have been beaming from ear to ear over. A crescendo of joy flowed through my heart. Then deep sadness and longing for a person who has been gone for over thirty years arrived on the scene. I suppose I will always miss her. When I see her smile on her daughter’s face or hear her grandchild’s giggle, it is an echo of what we are all missing. Even the ones who have not ever met her here on earth.

Psalm 77 is a psalm of lament suitable for whenever my heart is heavy. Using these verses as prompts, I can pray through a road map directing me to a place where I have space to express my real feelings, ask questions and find peace. I must travel through this valley. If I fail to continue on the journey and try to bypass feeling my feelings, the heaviness will likely ambush me later. Then anger might spew forth, causing damage to an innocent victim. My doubts carried for miles may weigh me down and cause overwhelming fatigue. Finding a place of peace with God is a journey best taken in a psalm of lament as a soul-tending practice. Each verse of this psalm offers a handhold to safeguard my forward progress through grief.

1 I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. 
2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. 
3 When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah

As I declare verse one aloud, I am reminded that God does hear me. He hears me in the night, in the day of trouble, and even when my soul refuses comfort. As I remember God, I am overwhelmed and struggle to find words to express all I feel. I try to deeply think about God, but my mind can’t grasp it all and becomes faint at the effort. Finally, at the end of verse three, I see the word “Selah.” Scholars cannot agree on exactly what the word means, but it appears to put forth the idea of pause and being still. So, at this moment, I choose to be still before God and just be with Him.

Prayer Pause

Lord, help me to settle my mind simply on you and kneel before you in surrender and be still.

(On a very practical note, I have to set a timer to do this because otherwise, I spend the entire time wondering if I should be done yet.)

4 You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
5 I consider the days of old, the years long ago.
6 I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search.
7 “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?
8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah

Have you ever been so sad, anxious, or angry that you couldn’t sleep? Yet, the picture of God holding my eyes open feels profoundly true in those moments. It is as if He is saying to me, “Seriously, we need to talk.”

As I respond to Him, I might well begin to review my own history and search my heart. Then questions fill my mind, just like the ones the Psalmist begs in verses seven, eight, and nine. All this is so much to process that I will need to pause once again before the Lord and ask Him to help me see a new perspective.

Prayer Pause

Lord, as we meet in the dark of the night and the escape of sleep eludes me, I come before you and consider our history together. Lord, search me and allow me to ask you the probing and challenging questions. Are you bringing something good out of all this? How long until you answer my requests? Have you given up on me? I surrender again all my rights to be in the know. You know all the things so that I don’t have to carry that burden. Thank you. I now pause to be thankful for You.

10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”

11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?

14 You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.

15 You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

Psalm 77:10-15 ESV

Verse ten reveals a bend in the road where the journey brings me to a new place. I will choose to rejoice in the right hand of the Most High. I give thanks for God’s hand that has rescued me, guided me, and provided everything for my life. I will choose today to remember the deeds of you, LORD. I am in awe of Your wonders. I will decide to ponder all Your work and mighty deeds. Your way is holy and set apart for me. The path You ask me to take is for Your higher purposes. Others serve gods who are nothing like You. Not only do You work wonders for all of Your people, but You also make known Your might and strength and power in public on purpose, so no one can say they do not know. God, You redeem Your people and your daughter in the family line of Jacob and Joseph because of Jesus’ work on the cross. You made me part of your forever family. All of this is worthy of my meditation today.

Prayer Pause

As I remember all You have done for my loved ones and me, I am in awe. I see how You have been so gracious for generations. Your ways are holy and beyond my own limited understanding. Help me to grow into greater trust and obedience as I follow you more faithfully. Whenever doubts come at me, help me to remember Your deeds. Help me to remember Your endlessly redemptive work in my life and in this world.

16 When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled.

17 The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side.

18 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world;

the earth trembled and shook.

19 Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.

20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 77:16-20 ESV

Just in case I might forget Your mighty works, You are so kind to display them to me every single day. At the end of each day, you reveal a stunning sunset, and then the following day, you provide a magnificent sunrise. You take me through the green valleys and up onto the mountain majesties. Whenever I see wild storms, lightning displays, and water directed and controlled by You, I know that You hold it all together. Thank you for moment-by-moment displays of Your power. I am always in need of reminders.

Prayer Pause

Thank you, Father, for allowing me to live in a place where I see Your handiwork on display all day and every day. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, give me fresh eyes to see it. Let me not miss a demonstration of Your might and power. Thank you for your generosity. You are willing and able to give daily demonstrations that leave me in awe. You parted the Red Sea to save your people. You will carry me through whatever difficulties and bring me safely home and into your eternal promised land someday. Please sustain me in my journey with you and bring peace and healing to my grieving heart. Amen

Why not try praying through a psalm today? The psalms are the original collection of prayers and devotions. Jesus himself often pulled from them in prayer. If you do, let me know how it goes. I would love to hear what you discover.

Am I Falling into the Trap of Comparison Culture? Psalm 37:34-40

/ Anthea Kotlan / Leave a comment
Photo of a tree taken in Texas by Anthea Kotlan

From what I see on social media, she’s been living a charmed life. Every project she tackles is successful, her husband adores her, and her children all sing her praises. She works full-time, homeschools, grows organic vegetables, and in her free time, she published three award-winning novels this year. I’ve never seen her in the same outfit twice, and she makes her own gorgeous jewelry which she sells to support orphans in third-world countries.

Maybe you know her too?

It is entirely too easy for me to fall into the trap of comparison while I’m scrolling social media. However, I must remind myself there is so much more to someone’s life story than what I see in curated artfully filtered images.

For the last few weeks, I’ve been traveling in Psalm 37. Today, in this final section, David offers a study in contrasts between two kinds of people, and how they respond to challenges. We have the blameless waiters and the wicked transgressors. One of these kinds of people is compared to a green laurel tree in this passage.

According to the author, Dr. Matthew Sleeth, “Other than God and people, the Bible mentions trees more than any other living thing.” The Bible begins with some tree stories and trees appear at regular intervals from Genesis all the way to Revelation. The book of Psalms, the focus of this blog, opens with the image of a tree with its roots going deep into living water. This tree is an example of how to follow as one who is deeply connected and drawing from God’s wisdom. (Psalm 1)

However, trees can also be problematic. Jesus cursed a fig tree that bore no fruit (Mark 11:13). In the Garden of Eden, God provided trees bearing a huge variety of fruits. Despite all the options, Eve fell into temptation and picked from the one tree God had forbidden. The results of her disobedience still roll out even to this day.

What is the warning tucked into these final verses regarding the wicked and ruthless man or woman? How does he or she appear on the surface?

34 Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.
35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
36 But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.
37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright, or there is a future for the man of peace.
38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them because they take refuge in him.

(Psalm 37:34-40 ESV)

In verse 35, a particularly ruthless person is compared to a laurel tree. There are many varieties of trees called laurel, but one variety that grows in the Middle East is called an Indian Laurel. I can’t know for sure which kind David is referring to, but perhaps it was one of these. What is noteworthy about it is the description, a majestic shade tree with large leaves. It also remains green all year long.

A wicked person sometimes has large and visible success, provides benefits to others, and is remarkably appealing. However, David warns that God will not tolerate such a deceptive one forever. At some point, this wicked person will be gone in a moment, and no trace of his or her existence will ever be found. For a culture that valued legacy, this was a terrifying warning. As I get older, I have to think more and more about what I will be leaving behind and what I will be remembered for.

How often do I see someone who appears to have all the success, and everything the world has to offer? Not all celebrities are evil. Many are wonderful, generous, and kind. However, people are drawn to the charisma that may go with an award-winning celebrity. Is that person’s heart following God? Do secret sins that damage innocent victims hide behind all the images of accomplishments? Sadly, in recent years we have all seen evidence of this over and over. Someone, on the top of the world, has influence in so many areas. Suddenly an insidious sin or wrongdoing is unearthed. It lay buried beneath the veneer. The poor behavior becomes front-page news and as rapidly as he or she was catapulted to celebrity status, this person drops out of sight.

I think this laurel tree warning serves as a sign to realize that comparison culture can fool me. One who appears to have it all, may not be honoring God. Even in the days of David, there were those who saw the laurel tree people grow big and bold. It is interesting to note that crowns of laurel leaves from the laurel trees were used to celebrate athletes when they won races. However, after the parade of adulation, a wicked person who appears to have everything the world wants will be judged by God. All that will be left of those parades of adoration is the confetti rapidly swept away. The wicked person will simply be gone and very quickly forgotten.

Meanwhile, David describes the blameless waiters as upright people of peace, who wait, keep their way (following God’s guidance daily), and take refuge in the Lord. They know their salvation comes from God’s righteousness, and cling to God as a stronghold in times of trouble. They are delivered from the wicked. Verse 38 shares the promise of a future for these blameless people based on the goodness of God. This seems to point to the legacy of the blameless made possible by God. They will be remembered and have influence into the future.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that you hold my life and my future in your gracious hands. Help me to focus on your perspective. May wisdom from you guard my tendency to fall for comparison culture. Let me be found blameless by your grace. May I run to the refuge you provide. Thank you that my life may have a legacy because of you. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.

How Do I Keep From Falling? Psalm 37:23-29

/ Anthea Kotlan / 2 Comments
A stone step trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The steep trail took me deep into the hardwood canopy, and then I rounded a corner to catch a glimpse of how far up I had climbed. The valley below rolled out before me, displaying every possible shade of green, brown, gold, orange, and red. October in the Blue Ridge Mountains did not disappoint. So grateful for the opportunity to spend a few days in North Carolina after a recent church planting conference.
I’m not entirely sure which is ultimately harder, the going up or the coming down those mountain trails? While going up takes excellent effort, going down tested my knees and not pitch pell-mell headfirst forward. The success of a hike really lies not in the miles covered but in each step along the way. A missed step could lead to a spectacular descent, Perhaps of the kind that the Psalmist speaks of in Psalm 37: 24?

Psalm 37:23-28 features some amazing promises from God. The first two verses in this section speak about our travels here on earth.

23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;
24 though he falls, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.

What stops me from being cast headlong? My careful steps or fantastic hiking boots? In this case, it is God’s hand upholding me when I delight in His ways. What does it mean for me to delight in God’s ways? I believe these two things work together. When I am holding onto God’s hand and spending time with Him by reading His word and praying, I begin to want/delight/desire God’s priorities, people, and pleasure. He transforms my heart into genuinely being engaged with His work.

How can I set aside time this week to be in God’s word and pray to find out what God’s priorities, people, and pleasures are?

To get aligned with God’s heart, I must intentionally set aside this time with Him. The world is loud and brash and never stops telling me what I should love. However, the still small voice of the Holy Spirit calls me away to engage with what my Father has for me.

Does this promise mean that I will never fall, fail or stumble? No, it says “though he falls.” So, falling is inevitable here on earth. I will stumble, and I may even fall on the trails or in my life. God will, however, grab me by the hand and pull me back up again, over and over until He takes me up to Heaven.

The following verses feature promises for my children and family members.

25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
26 He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.

Does verse 25 promise my loved ones will never end up lacking their basic needs?
Sadly, no. However, as members of God’s family, my children become part of an extended Kingdom building network. Many others will look out for them and provide for their needs. It is no longer all on my shoulders. Even when my children go through seasons of want and lack, I know that God will ultimately provide for their needs.

Many years ago, a wise friend told me, “Don’t deprive your children of an opportunity to be deprived.” Children who never have to wait to receive something seldom genuinely appreciate what they get. Likewise, a child who earns something will see how valuable it is.

When my children were little, sometimes seeing them not have what they want was more painful for me than experiencing a lack myself. Often children who grow up not having everything they wanted, may have a particular desire to provide for others. A lack of immediate gratification may give a margin for appreciation and gratitude.

Finally, these three verses in today’s passage point to eternity.

27 Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.

God directs me to turn away from evil because He knows I need that reminder. As I live my life on earth, I will always hear evil call my name and try to get my attention. Sometimes it is cleverly disguised as doing whatever I want or doing what satisfies me in the short term. The Evil One knows what my weaknesses are. He prowls around, waiting for a chance to hijack my day and land me in a state of feeling I have a right to follow my own rules.

God loves justice. Not only does He love justice, but He is the only one who can provide it. God has an accurate 360-degree view, and He knows the whole story even when I don’t. Sometimes I have to remind myself of this fact. I can rest, therefore, in knowing God’s justice will prevail. I may never see the wrongs balanced out here on earth, but He is always working behind the scenes.

In this final promise from today’s section of Psalm 37, I catch an encouraging glimpse of a forever dwelling place.

"The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever."

I have become a member of the righteous ones, the Psalmist refers to because I am reconciled with God by Jesus’ saving work on the cross. This is not by my own efforts. My right before God status entitles me to a hopeful inheritance from the Lord that is eternal. This land, I believe, is heavenly real estate where each of us will someday reside with God forever.

During a recent drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, my husband and I pulled over into a scenic overlook and parked the car. Once we hopped out, we could see a panoramic view of Wilson Creek Valley. At that moment, clouds were rolling in, the morning sun was still climbing in the sky. For a moment, it seemed as if Heaven and earth were coming together. The clouds floated low, the mountains rose through the mist, and the sun streamed down in golden and pink hues mixed in with all shades of blue sky and clouds. A glimpse of the heavens shone forth for just a moment.


A photo in the early morning of Wilson Creek Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Prayer
Lord, please share a glimpse of forever with me today. I need to see the place I will dwell in someday. Please align my heart with your priorities and people. Remind me to turn from the evil of this world. Help me cling to your hand as I walk on life’s trails on this side of Heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What Makes You Feel Secure? Psalm 37:18-22

/ Anthea Kotlan / Leave a comment

“We cannot feel secure until we are seen, soothed and safe.”
Dr. Curt Thompson

With a bucket in one hand, and the other firmly grasped by my grandmother, we embarked on a grand adventure as the sun began slowly setting. Out and about when I would usually be tucked up in bed gave me such a thrill in my six-year-old heart. Once we arrived at the beach, we began a long walk across the stony beach until it gave way to soft sand. Low tide had pulled back the ocean to reveal a stretch of sandy and landscape almost as far as I could see.

Tide pools teaming with life dotted the pathway we traveled, and they became my focus. By the end of the evening adventure, I would be walking back to Twain, my grandmother’s seaside home, with a collection of sea creatures in an aquarium of sorts. The bucket would spend the rest of the week being cared for by me, a budding marine biologist. I would like to tell you that no sea creatures were harmed in my six-year-old adventures, but sadly more than one mollusk perished under my watchful eye.

While I failed in my marine animal management system, my grandmother provided me a season of security in my young life where I felt seen, soothed, and safe.

In this next section of Psalm 37, David reveals more wisdom about how God cares for His people and creates eternal security.

18 The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; Psalm 37:18 ESV

The Lord knows my days and all my struggles. He sees the bitter and the sweet and the complex efforts. But, ultimately, He is protecting my legacy that will go on beyond my time here on earth.

19 they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance. Psalm 37:19 ESV

God offers to soothe and care for me by providing for my most basic food and water needs. Even in bad times, pandemic times, and times when I lose my way, God offers to set the table before me and spend time with me. His presence is my true abundance.

20 But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish—like smoke, they vanish away.Psalm 37:20 ESV
21 The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives; Psalm 37:21

God provides all that I have and calls me to be generous. He notices when I give freely and share what I have with others. This allows me to refuse the lie of scarcity and feel the freedom to live an open-handed life.

22 for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off. Psalm 37:22 ESV

Finally, God promises me He will give me an inheritance of land where I can live in His presence forever. Whether that real estate is on earth or in Heaven, His presence in that place creates a lasting home for me where I find eternal security.

Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for eternal security only you can provide. Open my eyes to see your care for me each day. Help me to live an abundant life. Help me to walk in the peace of knowing my inheritance is safely kept in your alone, forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are You Feeling Surrounded by Your Enemies? Psalm 37:12-17

/ Anthea Kotlan / Leave a comment

For a few years, I had a steady date on Tuesdays with a local coffee shop drive-thru. Like clockwork, I would place the exact same order and then drive to my father’s home. His home was now a memory care facility where he thrived on a gloriously structured and predictable routine.

When Covid restrictions curtailed my in-person visits last summer, I was grateful to discover an app that allowed me to order a coffee and donut delivered at the same time as before. The amazing staff would then allow me to visit via Facetime with my father while I sipped my own coffee or the occasional cup of tea. A few months into our virtual visiting routine, I found out that my father’s health was now declining sharply after years of battling Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Dementia. Hospice became part of his care team, and our coffee dates eventually had to stop.

In that season of walking with my father into the final months of his life on this earth, I sometimes felt surrounded by enemies.

Chuck Lawless, speaker, and author of Putting on Your Armor, says,

We face three enemies: the world, our flesh, and the devil (Eph. 2:1–3). In some cases, the three are so interwoven that it’s difficult to tell them apart. Our primary problem is not Satan, though. We are our biggest issue.

In Psalm 37:12-17, David shares wisdom about these enemies and their strategies. While they share similar goals of distracting and discouraging God’s people, they employ different strategies. God however is always ready to respond.

The Enemy Within: My Flesh

12 The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, 13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.

The enemy within gnashes his teeth at me, and because he is so close, I can hear him when no one else can. Culturally, teeth-gnashing would have been a demonstration of disrespect and anger. How often does my own inner critic treat me with that kind of disdain and resentment? This enemy inside my own head knows me all too well and has a keen awareness of my weaknesses which increases the advantage. Sometimes the words sound more like whispers, but they are designed to intimidate and cause shame.

Truly, I can be my own worst enemy.

How does God respond to the strategy?

God laughs at this enemy because He knows the day is coming when this will all be over. God does not listen to the lies of my inner critic spins. My flesh only has access to the past and present. Meanwhile God can see into eternity and know that my flesh will someday fail. God’s truth about me, his child, can silence the vicious inner critic.

My Response

Spending time meditating on what God says about me, helps me counter the negative narrative my inner critic tries to overwhelm me.

The Enemy Without: The Devil

14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright; 15 their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

This wicked enemy appears well-armed and ready and yet God protects his own with a shield that repels the sword strikes and fractures the bows. This external enemy threatens me with harm by drawing his sword and bending his bow. He uses weapons to intimidate and looks for me to cower and flee. This external enemy, the Devil, is active in this world and does strike God’s people with fear and seek to paralyze them and keep them separated from God.

How does God respond?

God promises the sword that threatened me will pierce my enemy’s heart. My enemy’s bow will be broken and rendered useless. God knows the rest of the story. Jesus’ death on the cross has destroyed the works of evil; however, the Devil still prowls around the earth. I must be watchful and remain sober-minded about what he can and can’t do. (Ephesians 5:8) Ultimately God wins in this battle.

My Response

Spending time writing down a list of all the times that God has come through for me victoriously helps me see how God is always on my side. Sometimes I need to tend my soul by testifying about God’s faithfulness.

The Enemy Surrounds Me: The World

16 Better is the little that the righteous has, than the abundance of many wicked.

The world displays wealth and prosperity all day every day in every possible way. The lie that those who do not follow God are living an amazing life competes for my attention daily. Being bombarded by that lavishness can wear me down. Envy can sneak right up on me. Conversely, many I know who are made right by the blood of Jesus, have only meager resources based on the standards of the world. Not that all believers or righteous ones are poor, but many are. God tells me that the little the righteous have is better. It is better and more beneficial to live a life not weighed down by excess. God knows what I need and makes sure I have that. Ultimately, If I had to make a list of what really matters to me, it would likely be rather short

How does God respond to the world and the displays of excess?

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.

He promises to break my enemy’s power and strength. He creates a powerful visual of a reversal of expectations when God promises a victory and to hold me and, His righteous ones, close in His strong and capable arms.

My Response

Spending time writing down a list of my blessings can remind me of all that I have that is most important to me. My enemy would like me to focus on what I lack. God calls me to sing aloud of the great blessings He has provided.

Last September, while my father was in hospice care, it was easy to feel surrounded by these three enemies.

My inner critic or flesh often caused me to feel inadequate for the task at hand, and I felt that I had not done enough for my father. Finally coming to the point of realizing that only the Good Shepherd could lead my father to his eternal home. My caretaking role was slowly diminishing.

The Devil certainly prowled around trying to tempt me to feel discouraged and second guess my caretaking decisions.

The World served up images of what death should look like for my father. The reality of watching a loved one slowly diminish in strength and vitality is not what television or movies would like any of us to believe. Sometimes people pass away in amazingly gracious and beautiful ways. Sometimes people die in terribly rapid and violent ways. Other times it is a slower and arduous process that can feel draining. Sitting close to suffering and the dying process feels wrong by the world’s standards. However, Jesus so often entered the space of people’s suffering and practiced the ministry of presence. I was grateful to have some of those sacred and quiet times with my father towards the end of his life.

Prayer
Lord, thank you that you never leave me alone with my enemies. You are always there to help me. What you provide for me will always be enough. I thank you that you promise to break the arms of my enemies because you are always stronger. Thank you that you are always ready to uphold me in your arms. When you hold me close to you, I can focus on the truth of your words and promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Perspective Shift – Psalm 37:6-11

/ Anthea Kotlan / 2 Comments

Waking up in a dark hotel room can feel utterly disorienting.

For a moment I can’t tell where I am or even determine where the light switch might be? Those wonderful blackout curtains stand guard against any light seeping into the room. After a few seconds, orientation begins to take hold, and I remember where I am. I can now reach out a hand and try to discover a switch for a nearby lamp. Maybe the lamp is not easy to locate. I try to slowly move across the room in the direction of the hotel door where a faint crack of light seeps in at the floor. Creeping along with my hands outstretched before me, I’m trying to navigate this path to find an elusive light source. Minutes tick passed, and I regret not having a flashlight or phone nearby. When the switch is finally discovered and turned on, the entire room floods with light and it changes everything.

Psalm 37 is categorized as part of the wisdom collection. I’m not sure about you, but I could use some wisdom this week. In these wisdom psalms, David shares time-honored truth about what God has taught him. Last week I looked at the role of anxiety in my life, and how fretfulness does not lead to patterns of befriending faithfulness. This section of the same psalm gives examples of perspective shifts. Suddenly everything seems different when I:

  • Add light
  • Add time
  • Add meekness
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
10 In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
11 But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

Psalm 37:6-11 ESV

Add Light

He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. 
Psalm 37:6 ESV

Great lighting changes everything. Good photography, great video, and looking for lost things, are all made infinitely easier and better with a good source of light. Light changes my perspective. In verse 6, David talks about how my righteousness will be revealed by God’s light. Justice for me and all believers will be like the high noon sun. Nothing will be left in the dark. No bad deed will be hidden. As Christ’s follower, I know that the ultimate light of the world is Jesus. He came into the world and set me free through his death on the cross. He will return someday, and when he does it will be like the brightest high noon moment. No one will miss it to be sure. Everything will be set to rights and justice will roll forth.

Add Time

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Psalm 37:7 ESV

Have you ever rushed to try to take a photo? You pull out your phone and quickly tap open the camera, and then you take the shot. When I worked as a photographer for a newspaper, I learned the hard way that waiting gets the best photo. A rushed shot will be blurred or composed poorly. I can fix a great deal with a good photo editing app, but a well-taken photo is a gem.

Waiting is another thing that transforms my perspective. In verse 7, David encourages believers to be still before the Lord and wait. How often do I think I want one thing at the beginning of a season of waiting? Later I discover that something else will be better for me and those I love. David qualifies this kind of waiting to be done while being still before the Lord. What does that look like? Waiting is one thing but being still is much harder for me.

The interesting thing about waiting and being still is how much it reveals what God is doing. When I am paused and not moving, only God can work it out. It is no longer in my hands. It is perhaps the ultimate surrender. God knows that if I continue to rush about, I might mistakenly believe that I have effected change. Waiting in stillness reveals that God is the only one working, not me. Waiting in stillness might provide the margin for me to gain new information that I can’t see if I am on the move. Waiting in stillness gives me time to rest and reset.

Add Meekness

But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. 
Psalm 37:11 ESV

While God calls me to stillness, he sometimes calls me to an unlikely activity. In verse 11 the psalmist speaks of those who are meek. Meekness changes my perspective in profound ways. I love to research and read. Sometimes this causes me to arrive at a situation as an expert, full of knowledge. Meekness asks me to consider humility as a better starting point. What if I show up with more of a sense of surrender and less of the desire to control through information throwdowns? Meekness may help me to accept a new way of doing things or help me to see someone else’s point of view. Those who wear a mantle of meekness will inherit the land and be delighted in abundant peace. These promises provide a better way that proves less burdensome on my weary soul.

I serve a generous God who longs to share wisdom with me that ultimately benefits me and my people. Can some simple perspective changes help me access much-needed wisdom? How about you?

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for the illumination of your presence. You promise to provide the night light of your presence in the dark. Please give my path light as you lead me and finally illuminate the whole world with justice someday. Thank you for the time you gifted me with. Help me to spend it wisely and be willing to wait on and for you in all situations. Thank you for the opportunity to choose meekness. You are worthy of my surrender, and you will prevail. Lord, would you bless me with your perspectives on every challenge. May I bring you greater glory every day? In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.