“In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”—Psalm 5:3

Because Texas has had some pretty cold weather this week, I thought that I would make a hat to give way this month. I decided to do one that has a 1x1 twisted rib stitch. I made one similar to it last year, so thought I would be able to recall how to do it. It’s not a hard stitch, but when I read the pattern and did what I “thought” was the right stitch, I was obviously not doing it correctly. I had to get on YouTube to refresh my memory. Once I watched the video, I couldn’t believe I wasn't able to remember it.

Surprisingly, something similar happened to me when I was “being still” this week. Last week I shared that I was going to dust off my Bible and print my prayer list for my quiet time with the Lord. Because I did this, I was truly able to live out Psalm 5:3. I put aside my electronic distractions and was able to spend actual alone time with God this week.

I usually start my morning off reading my favorite devotion book, “Jesus Calling.” I don’t own the copy that has the scriptures typed out, so normally I would get on my iPad and type in those scriptures to read. This week, I actually turned the pages in my Bible to find them. It is embarrassing for me to admit this, but I am going to be transparent here and share. Since it has been so long that I have done this, I actually had to go to the table of contents to look up some of the Old Testament books.

I used to be able to flip to where what books were in the Bible no problem. Not this week. I am having to relearn something that I should have never lost. I think the online Bible versions and Bible apps are great as a resource, especially for doing research. However, how convicting for me that I have let that be my only way to read scripture. I just can’t believe how easily my mind forgot how to navigate through the Bible to find what I needed. 

Like, I said, having a Bible app and prayer notes on my phone are not bad things, but they should not be my only way to pray and read scripture in the morning. I think they are good to have when you are traveling or having to read your prayers while waiting in a doctor’s office. However, for me personally, having the feel of paper in my hands this week has helped me to focus more. It also reminds your loved ones that you are having your quiet time and not playing around on your iPad/tablet. 

I actually plan on buying a NLT Bible with margins so that I can write notes in my Bible too. Had I not had access to the online Bible, I would not have been able to see all of the different Bible versions and which one I tend to go to the most. And again, a great way to look up different versions of a scripture that you might be studying to see if another Bible version gives you more clarity.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for opening my eyes to the the distractions that have been keeping me from being in Your presence. While I am grateful that I do have immediate access to Your Word through my electronic devices, I praise You for helping to find a balance this week. I ask that you continue to bless my hands as I knit this week. I ask for blessings for whoever will receive what I make. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!

How are you doing with this month’s memory verse?“Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”—Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT) Does it comfort you when you repeat this knowing that God will never abandon you?