First Things First

I was praying about some challenges in our lives, and felt like God asked me, “Do you remember the first thing I spoke to you?”

I took some time to think back through my life, and found myself at a memory far earlier than I expected.  I read at very young age, not sure exactly how old, but little. I saw myself pulling down a leatherette–bound children’s book from a shelf, and opening to the cover page, a picture of an angel guarding children on a path (I still get distracted by butterflies). It illustrated psalm 91, the first words I could remember that gave me an encounter with God:

“Because the Lord is your refuge, and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

I know it may seem weird, but as I read the psalm, I could remember hearing Jesus in my heart as a kid, knowing He was real, and that He was good, loving, and had a purpose for me.  He brought me out of my reverie with the words, “I am still speaking that to you.”

I read the whole psalm over and over, and thought about it for a long time.  Since childhood, I’ve seen many miracles and healings, but I’ve also seen the most wonderful people suffer, and stubbed my own toe on a few rocks. As I dwelt on that for a while with Him, I began to see something. Though I’ve experienced physical healing, this is talking about a deeper truth.  As I learn to live in His presence—aware of Him, habitually looking for Him in my circumstances, always talking with Him—it’s my heart and mind that He wants to keep from stumbling on offensive rocks.

He so loves to heal, but He is laser–focused on renewing my mind, and keeping my heart beating in sync with His. As I thought on all the grace, kindness, healing, joy, peace, and purpose He’s given me, I felt like that child again, completely loved, protected, and ready for adventure.

That’s God’s gift to you today.  Read psalm 91—or whatever scripture speaks to you—and let Him give you the heart of a kid again. A heart of joyful trust in Him, and purposeful adventure as you chase the butterflies.