I understand so clearly this morning that finishing my M.A. in Biblical Counseling should never override these precious moments I set aside for God . . .in the morning. Yes, my course workload is getting rigorous as I come closer and closer to the finish line! I spend countless hours reading and writing each day. If I don’t intentionally set aside time for meditation in the morning. . .I will become inundated with my assignments. I shared this scripture fresh from my meditation and prayer time, on my Instagram page, this morning, Hebrews 4:12 (The Amplified Classic version):

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

“. . .the very thoughts and purposes of the heart” are exposed when we dive into God’s Word intensely. . . so intensely that we actually hear His voice, speaking to our situations and circumstances (all the stuff we worry about). Nothing is more satisfying to the human soul than a Word from God spoken directly to it. Nothing! His Word changes and rearranges things within us, and ultimately gives us renewed life in indescribable ways. This was such a blessing to me I thought I’d share. Pondering a scripture slowly in a translation I can easily comprehend is one of the most effective ways I meditate. . . my inner self thanks me every single time! Selah.