'One thing God has spoken...'

Psalm 62:11-12

One thing God has spoken,
    two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
12     and with you, Lord, is unfailing love."

Our life has continued it's crazy busy-ness of the summer with a church camp down in Devon. I blogged about it last year (sorry I'm too lazy to add in links) and I would say this year was even better. I think last year I was still a little shaky after the PND and found it difficult to be around people all the time. But this year I really enjoyed being a community with my church and felt I had enough 'head space' for letting God speak to me.

I felt challenged by lots of things but the talk which most struck me was by a guy called Phil Moore on praying through the Psalms. I have been having a quiet time (almost) every day but, to be honest, I've not been making much time for God and just reading a few verses of the Bible and then rattling off a list of things I'd like God to help me with. Not a great relationship really. 

I feel very inspired by Phil's advice to start with the Bible (especially Psalms) and read until you feel inspired to pray. You'll then pray about God and pray His way, instead of shopping list prayers. I am going to make a conscious effort to put this into practice. I also think I'll have to do this without J in the room because I concentrate so much better by myself and praying out loud, with no-one there to hear. I'm still working out the practicalities of when I'll manage this! It can be difficult to find a good time with little ones, whose wake-up times vary so much. But I'm determined not to make it an excuse.

The verse at the start of this post was one which Phil picked up on. He said that the Psalms can teach you how to pray even in difficult circumstances. The Psalmist often pours out his anger and confusion to God over troubles he is facing. But he still gives glory to God. In Psalm 62:11-12, he says that God is both strong and loving. In tragedy and hardships we can doubt whether God can intercede for us or whether He cares enough. These verses say that God is both strong and loving and these two truths are really one. I love this, and will definitely hold onto it when things get tough. I hope you'll find it helpful too.