I think it is amazing that I can pick up my Bible and read scripture that seems to be written just for me. I sometimes find myself thinking that I would say it in the exact same way, only I am not as eloquent as the writers of the Bible. Isn’t it wonderful that God chose so many different people to speak and write His words, some boldly and willingly and others hesitantly and haltingly, but all with the same faith and love inspired by Him? I know I should spend more time reading and studying the scriptures but always seem to have something else to do.

Much to my disdain, I still find that I willingly do the same mundane things over and over.  Wondering, why did I do that again when I told myself I wouldn’t? Right now I am battling with a time management issue.  I want to do so much (and I thank God that He has given me the desire and knowledge to accomplish many things!) but I waste so much time.  For example, watching TV shows, or should I say flipping and clicking my way around TV land trying to find something.  I sometimes become interested, but for the most part keep searching.  After an hour or two, I give up and go do what I should have been doing in the first place.  Why do I put myself in front of the TV when I know that is going to happen?

During my devotion/study time, I find myself reading just what I need. In Psalm 91: 13-14, David says, “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. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  Oh, how well I can relate to that.  I willfully keep watching TV, allowing it to rule over me – I am automatically drawn to it, mostly by habit, going in and turning it on to see, what? I find myself frustrated that I have chosen to waste my time on nothing. Some shows are interesting, even entertaining, but why do I continue to turn it on so often?  I am not saying TV is bad, I am saying that my struggle comes from knowing that I am watching too much, too often and for no reason. In Psalm 91, God not only gave me an example of a person who truly loves Him, but one who also has faults. One who seems to have felt what I have felt. One who has struggled, much more so than I, one who truly has been inspired by God to praise Him and turn to Him for strength. 

I pray that God will continue to forgive me and keep me from turning to other things.  I pray that my words show faithfulness to Him and that I can share His grace with others so the words of my mouth will be pleasing to Him. I pray that He will give me a strong desire to discipline myself to attend to what is important.  I pray that He will help rid me of the habit watching TV instead of doing other things that strengthen my body, mind and spirit.  I pray that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart will be pleasing to my Redeemer. Amen.

 --Nancy Guthrie