Pause

From the time we are children, we try to determine when and where safety can be counted on. That doesn't mean we don't take chances, even dangerous ones.

But we can be sure that safety is always found wherever God is. That doesn't mean life isn't dangerous, however.

In a dangerous world, find your safe place now, quietly, in the heart of God.

Listen

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.

Psalm 1:1-3

Think

We just recently redesigned the bed that holds plants in front of our house. It was not as simple as digging up the old stuff and putting in new vegetation. Nope. We had to first carefully choose what we would put in. As it turned out, they are all plants native to our state.

Then we got to the hardest work, taking out the plants that were there and then carefully preparing the soil for new growth. It’s not easy pulling up shrubs that have rooted themselves over a number of years. And getting the earth to yield to hand-held tools is no easy task either.

Holes were dug, and new plants were gently lowered, welcomed by fresh, nourishing potting soil. A generous layer of rich mulch and then water to make for a new home, our newly decorated bed bears the promise of leaves that do not wither, and plants that always prosper.

Nick Foster

Pray

God, please prepare for my life soil that nourishes me always. Then make me to prosper in your love and care, to your glory and for your pleasure. Amen.

Go

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before you
Near to the heart of God.

Cleland B. McAfee