A New Song

In Psalm 96 and in so many of the surrounding Psalms there are repeated calls to "sing a new song". As I daily meditate on God's Word it begins to sink into my thinking patterns and my prayer life. What if God lovingly said to me, " Janice, you know I've heard those requests before. You know I am a gracious God and I don't forget my children. What does my Word say?" And I reply, "It says to sing a new song!" I am drawn once again into my new habit of praise and thankfulness, looking out my window for new beauties that will remind me of God's presence.

The hummingbird zooming around my garden.
          The cloud cover that reminds me of the beach - God's great oceans.
    The fact that my muscles hurt - yea, I can still exercise!

I will choose to sing a new song!

Distractions or Drudgery

There are tendencies with all believers to go through times in our spiritual lives when our dedication to our relationship with God and His Word wanes. You might be feeling like your reading times in God's Word have become mundane or maybe like me, you are too often distracted when you do make time. This is what distracted me the other day, when trying to reflect on Psalm 96.

This is Abby. She is our Boston terrier pup. I remember the times when I had to set the alarm to get up before my small children did. That was the only way I was going to have quiet time with God. Well, for a while, I am back to the "new mom" routine! Even good things distract!

Now to speak about mundane for a moment. There is a place on my blog site where the machine tracks how many people have checked out my blog. Don't get me wrong, I blog because I enjoy it. But it is interesting that during the first 6 months I had 500 viewing times. In the last 2 months, 7! Yes, I admit, I haven't always been diligent to regularly post. But the fact is, the newness has worn off.

We live in a society where we are encouraged to seek new adventures! Don't get into a rut! Have the latest tool or phone or fashion!

I am closing this blog by praying for you. Whoever is reading - God knows! Stay in the Word, no matter what distracts you, or in spite of how you are feeling. Feed your soul!

THIS MONTH

Just a little post-it-note. We are studying Psalm 96 for the month of August. Don't be discouraged if you haven't been to a session for a while. Discouragement isn't from God. Dwell in this rich Psalm!