First Things First

"I will instruct you and teach you; I will guide you with My eye." Psalm 32:8

My morning routine is the same every day. Out of bed, brush my teeth, wash and put a little moisturizer on my face and head downstairs to grab the freshly poured cup of coffee that Tim has left me on the kitchen counter.  
(Most mornings I get down there while it’s still fresh and hot but some days I need to reheat it since I lingered in bed just a few minutes too long.) 
As I take the first few sips, I set the stage for my prayer time; turning on the little lamps in the living room and tuning the TV to background worship and scripture on the screen to remind me of God's love and faithfulness.

Lately, my heart is been so set on trying to just spend time with God; sitting in His presence. I know reading the Word is getting into His presence. I know prayer is getting into His presence. But for some reason, I have a burden on my heart to intentionally sit and listen for His voice and His direction. I don't know about you, but this may be one of the hardest things I've ever tried to do! My mind doesn't work like this. The minute I try and do nothing, is the very minute my days flash before me; unending to do lists, calls, emails, errands. Doing nothing is nearly impossible for this mind of mine!

As I tuned the TV to my normal YouTube channel DappyTKeys, with piano worship in the background, the first scripture that popped up was a precious reminder of what the Lord wanted me to know today and what He promised to do if I would allow.

I will teach you the way you should go. I will guide you with My eye. 

I've read the scripture literally countless times over the course of my life. Yet this time it stopped me in my tracks.  How much of my life have I spent trying to teach myself.  Make sense of things myself.  Guide myself.
Why do we complicate God so much? 
His directives are simple. His beauty is matchless. His wisdom is unparalleled.
But more than anything, the simplicity of His Word is overwhelming.
I will teach you. It’s a promise.
I will lead you. There’s no gray area.

He will teach.  
He will lead.
He will guide.
 He will never leave.
He will never forsake.
His mercies are new.
Great is His faithfulness.

As you enter into this day, may you be truly blessed with an encounter like mine this morning.  One that stops you before you even get started with a precious reminder that you need not worry. God has overcome every obstacle you will ever face today and everyday.

Let’s pray,
Dear God, 
Thank you for Your Word. It is my lifeline in this world. It is the anchor for my soul. Forgive me for the times I do not trust fully what You say in Your Word. Help me today to embrace the truth I find in Your Word with every fiber of my being. I want it to penetrate my soul and become my truth. You are my everything and I am so thankful that when I seek You first everything else falls into place.

In the Mighty Name of Jesus I pray,
Amen

E4M Daily Strategy
Ways I can experience the presence of God more deeply everyday.

1. Set aside five minutes each day just to sit in the presence of God. Truly try to listen for His voice. Begin your time with " Speak, Lord. I am here Lord and I am listening."

2.Meditate on today’s scripture for 5 to 10 minutes.
Embrace each truth found (God will instruct, teach, guide.)

3.What does it mean to you that God will instruct, teach and guid you?
What is he trying to teach you in this season?

4.How does knowing that God will guide you relieve stress and anxiety from your life. What will it take for you to fully trust His leading?