- Marissa George
Encouragement for the Journey: June
Earlier this year i started aligning my prayer journal entries to a bible text or story i was reading. I started this habit as a way to dig deeper into scripture and as a way to apply what i read to my life and circumstances. Month after month, i felt God's words come alive in me and draw me in a closer relationship with my savior. The month of June was no different. June is often a busy month for me as i am usually closing out a school year and transitioning into summer relaxation. It is also my birthday month so i usually look forward to celebrating with friends, family, and usually have a vacation thrown in the mix.
June is also the middle of the year, the halfway point in which i realize time has flown by and that i am either at my goal, approaching my goal, or forgot my goals altogether. This time, instead of looking back at my goals, i read through my prayer journal and tried to piece together the theme of the month, what specifically God was calling me to focus on. In June my prayers and bible text were centered around trust, faith, waiting, and focus.
These are of course heavy areas (and huge struggles for me), and one month of praying did not automatically make me perfect in my faith, trust, patience and relationship with Christ. Instead i focused on the processes that was happening within in me. God was alive and very present in my time with him. Without realizing it i started a much needed renewal and a new journey to gain strength in these areas. Everyday God uses his word to refine me, and everyday i am thankful that he is taking the time to teach me about himself and about my need for him. Below are the text that i frequently turned to in prayer and meditation.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (NIV)
Joshua 1: 9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV)
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.(NIV)
Job 42:2
I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.(NIV)
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.(NIV)
Luke 11:9-10
So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.(NIV)
Psalm 130:5
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. (NIV)
