Just a reminder of God's goodness
June 20, 2007
This came as just the right time. I hope you're encouraged by it as much as I've been. Amen.
Just a Reminder
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” Psalm 16:8 (NLT)
Devotion:
A few months ago, I went to a weight loss center. Once again, I was ready to lose weight. The first thing my encouraging counselor asked me to do was to write a letter to myself. “Why?” I asked. She replied, “I want you to remember how you feel right now and why getting healthy is a priority in your life. Over time, you may forget. If you do, I’m going to mail it to you to serve as just a reminder.”
I have found that I often need reminders. I’m a visual person, so visual cues are quite useful to me. I have scripture cards on the inside of my cabinets to bring God’s Word to mind during the day. There is a picture of my niece in my car to remind me to pray for my sister’s family. My laundry room is covered with post it notes containing God’s Word reminding me to be thankful for the laundry I am doing and the blessings who wear those clothes. In our kitchen we have a calendar containing the family’s schedule and my life could not function without the reminders I keep in my daily planner. We need reminders to keep us on track, but we also need to be reminded of how special God is.
A few years ago I went to the store in search of a card for my husband. It wasn’t our anniversary or his birthday; I just wanted to get him a card reminding him of how special he was to me. An unexpected thing happened that day. The first card I picked up read:
In this stressful world,
Yours is the presence that quiets me,
The voice that calms me,
The touch that comforts me…
…the love that helps me remember what is most important in each day.
You’re everything to me.
As I closed this card, my eyes filled with tears. The words were beautiful, only they weren’t meant for my husband. They were meant for my Lord. I did not buy my sweet husband a card that day, and I think he would understand. I bought a card for God instead, to serve as just a reminder.
The words on this card remind me Who I can turn to, Who can comfort me, and Who should be my everything. And that person is not my husband. As great as Jeff is, he can never meet those needs in my life. No one person can - only God can. I need that reminder every day. Not only did I purchase this card, but I wrote a note to God on it and signed my name to it.
Be encouraged today that God wants to be your everything. He desires to be number one in your life. If you are like me, you may forget that at times. I carry that card around with me for that very reason, to serve as just a reminder.
Dear Lord, In this stressful world, Yours is the Presence that quiets me, the Voice that calms me, the Touch that comforts me, and the Love that helps me remember what is most important in each day. You’re Everything to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I ran across your blog on the typepad home page... I am so glad I stopped by! I was encouraged by your words and loved the idea of writing a letter before launching into a diet/exercise plan. Reminders are so helpful! What a beautiful card and message to give to the Lord as well! Thank you.
Posted by: Cori | June 20, 2007 at 04:37 PM
Hi Cori, Thanks for popping by! I didn't actually write this article, but copied it from a devotional I receive via email from this site: http://www.crosswalk.com/.
It's called Encouragement for Today and so often it's come in with just the words I need to hear.
Like today! Glad it encouraged you too and hope you'll consider signing up with them. It's free and very pertinent to today's issues.
God bless!
JOY
Posted by: Joy Kennelly | June 20, 2007 at 05:30 PM
I also found your blog the same way. Thank you for sharing your photos of Maui. we just returned from a week at the Grand Wailea. It was so beautiful there. A vacation of a lifetime. For me, anyway!
Posted by: Patricia | June 21, 2007 at 03:16 AM
Great post! I needed that reminder today. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Posted by: Elizabeth M Thompson | June 23, 2007 at 03:21 PM
I stumbled across your blog today and wanted to thank you for the reminder.
Keep it up, the blog looks great.
Posted by: Tim | June 24, 2007 at 12:34 PM