“My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight.” Proverbs 5:1 (NIV)

Do you ever get overwhelmed when you sit down to read your Bible? There are so many books, deep thoughts, spiritual insights and life altering truths… where do we begin for today?

My sticky farm table and I have a long history of early mornings together. I gather up my Bible and my computer. I push past the sleepy feelings begging me to go back to my bed.  And I look at the well worn book as my love letter from God.

I don’t say that in a syrupy, flowery way. Truly, His words are a life line to me. A whisper from my King. A personal note. A treasure.

But right now I’m in a season where I don’t consume chapters at a time. Some days it’s just one or two verses so that I can live Proverbs 5:1. I want to really pay attention. I need to listen well to what God is saying. I look for one verse that I can savor word by word, letting it sink in deep… interrupting me, rearranging me, redirecting me.

And I pray…

“God, what plans have I made for today that this verse needs to interrupt?”

“God, what thoughts did I bring in from yesterday that this verse needs to rearrange?”

“And God, what heart attitudes have I been carrying that this verse needs to redirect?”

His Word is the protective covering over my plans, my mind, and my heart. For to let me run free without it, will surely find me tripping over my own selfishness, insecurities, and weaknesses. So, with His love letter, He reminds me to pause- pause- pause.

Pause and let the Holy Spirit intervene in my natural flesh response.

Pause so I don’t make the conversations all about me.

Pause and remember I’m not always right.

Pause to see the blessings, so many blessings, and say “thank you” at least once an hour.

Pause to serve, pause to give, pause to encourage when everyone else rushes by.

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding…Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-every good path” (Proverbs 2:1-3, 9).

Don’t get overwhelmed with the enormity and depth of the Bible.

It’s okay if we read just a verse or two today.

But more importantly than reading His words, we must choose to receive them. And even more importantly, we must live them.
Dear Lord, help me to see You today in a single word or in a single verse. You are all powerful and anything is possible through You. May Your words and Your truth seep into the plans I make and every thought I think today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Related Resources:

Visit Lysa’s blog today for a list of great verses for you to use on a one or two verse day.

If this devotion resonated with you, don’t miss Lysa’s new book: Made to Crave which is full of encouraging scripture verses that will help you learn to crave God and His Word.

Come see the downloadable Freebies on Lysa’s website! Encouraging articles for lots of situations to print and share with a friend! www.LysaTerKeurst.com

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Application Steps:
Search for some significant truths in your Bible and underline them. Write them on a 3’x5’ index card and keep them with you. Refer to these verses for strength and application throughout your day.

Reflections:
How did the today key verse encourage me?

How can I pay attention and listen well to a verse or two today?

Power Verses:

Acts 1:8a, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…” (NIV)

Psalm 91:1, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (NIV)

© 2011 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.