5 days ago I went even quieter into psalms. We went on vacation to Nemo Campground on Lake Pomme De Terre. This was hubby’s first time there. I have been joining my Mom and Sister there for many years. I usually am fretting because I always get a crappy cell signal at the campground. One year, I had to walk to the bathrooms just to get a message out. This year, I put my phone in my purse and walked away. I didn’t take photos, I didn’t post on social media, I just entered into the quiet and allowed myself a brain break. It was lovely.

I read the psalms each morning in the quiet of our cabin.

Each one the Holy Spirit highlighted a little nugget.

Psalm 102:6-7 I am like a desert owl in the wilderness. I lie awake like a lonely sparrow.

Psalm 103: 1-5 Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and all that is within me. Bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases. Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good, so that your youth is renewed like eagles.

Psalm 104:14-15 You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.

Psalm 105: 12-15 When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no one to oppress them;  for their sake he rebuked kings: “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”

This is an account of how God became Israel’s God from Abraham to Joseph.

Psalm 106:13-15 But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test. So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease among them.

This is an account of how the people over and over rebelled against God.

Father, I pray for all of us who are in a seasons of life where it feels like we have walked straight out into the wilderness. It feels dry as we search for nourishment in this desert place. Like a lonely sparrow keeping watch, nothing satisfies the thirst and aloneness of the desert but You, Oh Lord. Let my soul awaken to your presence and bless your name! You are the God who gives. Everything I have is a gift from you. You forgive me, you heal me, you’ve redeemed me, you have crowned me with steadfast love and mercy, you satisfy me with goodness and renew my strength. BLESS THE LORD OH MY SOUL!! Everything that is needed you have provided. You give the wine of your Spirit to give me joy! You give the oil of your presence to make me shine like a light in the dark night. You give the bread of life, who is Jesus Christ, to strengthen my heart that I may live. Teach me to bless your name!! Just as you called out the children of Israel to be their God you have called me out as well. You keep me and save me. You put a wall of protection around me. Help me God and keep me from forgetting what you have done. Let me trust in your plan and not my own. In the desert many fall and fail the test. We need you God! Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Lord, let us not cave to the cravings of the flesh. Give us lazer like focus to wait on you and see your hand deliver. For you are good! Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and all that is with in me, I will praise your name!

Sometimes when we are in a dry spell in our walk with God – it is easy to get distracted and search for refreshment in any pool of water. But be careful not all waters are good to drink.

Thanks for listening,

Starla