I was whining about what a busy time this is as I prepare for an upcoming retreat. God's timing is perfect and He knows what all is going on in our lives but He wants to be our top priority. Psalm 34 was written by David after a stormy season in his life. Saul intended to kill him, so he fled from the king, facing dangers on his way. This Psalm is David’s reminder to focus our hearts to praise God in the storm. We praise God first and then trust Him with our situation. Psalm 34: 2, "I will glory in the Lord."
Matthew 11: 28-30, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Fellowship will challenge us, encourage us and holds us accountable. Hebrews 120: 14-15, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of near.." Colossians 2:2, "that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ..."
When we retreat, we remove ourselves from our usual environment, breaking our routine to slow down our lives, to a specific place for a stretch of solitude. We spend time with God, working through thoughts, feelings and being still. We recognize how God is working in our lives and acknowledge those areas where He would have a change. As we praise, our perceptions change. Our problems don't go away but our gaze shifts from the problem to our Problem Solver. Praise pours out of our moths and joy fills our hearts. When we come home we feel refreshed, renewed and blessed!
Who doesn't need to be refreshed and renewed?
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