SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE


Reading the Bible is an important part of how we can grow in our faith, but we know many people question why the Bible is not relevant for today. With its old language and confusing references, it can feel irrelevant or disconnected. But these Scripture meditations are meant to help us bridge that disconnect and encounter reasons why the Bible is relevant.

 

It’s Been a Hard Week

So, it’s been a hard week. But it’s one of those weeks where you can’t really explain why it’s been hard. Nothing big has happened. It’s been packed with all of the normal, run-of-the-mill stressors. 

But it just feels more difficult this time around. You’re super tired and running short on patience…and where on earth did this headache come from?

Oftentimes when you’re feeling this way, but can’t quite pinpoint why, it might be a good indicator that you need to slow down. Find quiet opportunities to help you listen. Listen to your body and discover what needs are being overlooked. Listen to your mind and identify what’s hovering below the surface and bringing you stress. And, perhaps most importantly, listen for God’s presence in your life at this moment. Sit with him in silence. Embrace this time of quiet, even if it’s uncomfortable at first. And, when you’re ready, bring your worries to him.

If you need a little breath of fresh air, take a minute to walk through this meditation with us. We’re looking at a couple verses from Psalm 17. Check it out below!

Psalm 17:6–8

6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;

    turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.

7 Show me the wonders of your great love,

    you who save by your right hand

    those who take refuge in you from their foes.

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;

    hide me in the shadow of your wings

Observations from the Text

  • God listens to our needs (v. 6)
  • He hears our prayers (v. 6)
  • God’s love is full of wonders (v. 7)
  • We can take cover under God’s wings (v. 8)

Prayers of Response

Lord, I praise you because even though _________ feels overwhelming to me right now, I can take cover under your wings!

God, I’ve been “calling on you” about _________, but it doesn’t feel like you’ve answered me.

Prayer Requests

I pray that you show me the “wonders of your great love” by _________.

Father, please take _________ (name) under your protective care, and give her/him refuge from _________.

Prayers of Readiness

I pray that you “keep an eye” on _________ (name) as he/she _________ this week.

Today, I will keep my eyes open to experience the “wonders of your great love” because _________.

Reflection:

  1. How often do you feel run down?
  2. When you do, how do you handle that extra-tired feeling?
  3. What’s one thing that keeps you from slowing down and sitting in silence?
  4. How do you think God views all our busyness and hurrying?

 

Scripture meditations are one way to start reading the Bible more. They’re here to help us connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life—visit this page for more!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™