Re-Center Around God
Ephesians 3:16-17a
I pray that out of the Father’s glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. ~ Apostle Paul
Pondering Point
This week’s re-centering is around matters of the heart. Let’s go at it:
Review
Review the week. Have I withheld part of my heart from the Lord? Have I treasured inappropriate things in my heart? Have I guarded my heart as the Lord tells me to do?
Repent if Necessary
Consider repenting of treasuring things that have pushed God aside or become rivals to Him in your dedication. Repent of not trusting God with all of your heart. Repent of being careless over guarding what you let in your heart.
Return (as necessary)
Toss out any false idols, any inappropriate throne-usurpers and give God His rightful place in your heart. Unlock any doors that you have kept God from accessing and any closets you have refused to let Him enter. And if you notice any holes in your heart, ask Him to fill you with wisdom, knowledge and peace.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 139:1-6
- You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me. - You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar. - You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways. - Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely. - You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me. - Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
1 Chronicles 4:10
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”
The Promise
Psalm 125:2
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.
Pondering Point
With Psalm 139:5, hemming is akin to encircling – and can be positive (hedge of protection) rather than negative (hand of oppression or judgment). Of course, some people see God’s hand as oppressive and judgmental. How do you view His Hand upon you (and others)?