Passage of the Day:
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever, Psalm 73:21-26.
Reflection:
As a teenager, I was an emotional wreck. Struggling with depression for several years took a toll on my heart. At this weak period in my life, the Lord surrounded me with Christians. While I had no desire to become a Jesus freak, students from a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible Study welcomed me with open arms. Despite stuttering fits which would pop up from time to time, these new friendships encouraged me to strength my heart to taking a deep dive into the Word of God.
Prayerful Action:
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, Psalm 34:17-18.
Restoring Your Heart:
In this age of instant gratification, praying for a specific request and not hearing, seeing or receiving a quick answer can be frustrating. As much as you have dreams, goals and plans laid out in your head, the Lord’s purpose ultimately prevails, Proverbs 19:21. I guess you can say that I’ve learned through the school of hard knocks that things happen in God’s timing, not mine. Subsequently, as I wait for God to lay out my future plans and will for my life, the best thing I can do in the meantime is strengthen my heart by leaning upon and trusting in the Lord.
Song of the Day:
The attached song is a remix of a classic hymn has ministered to my heart for more than a decade. Just when this song appears to be over, a spontaneous worship montage continues on to drive home the need to draw near to God; thereby strengthening your heart.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 