SWHW Bible Reading Plan: August 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Somer Phoebus:

Every time I read through Psalms, one thing, in particular, is challenged in me:

my prayer life. 

My prayer life is challenged in a lot of different ways, but today I want to share two that stood out the most: 

My honesty is not only accepted by God; it's encouraged. He already knows what's in our hearts anyway. REAL repentance isn't possible if honesty isn't present. Even if my honesty is offensive or unholy. Wouldn't it make sense that of all the places I could air my "honesty"...that God would be the best? 

When my friends hear me share my heart, they feel for me, and if you're blessed with friends like mine, they might even try to speak Truth to you; but they're still just human. They have no power over me. However, when God hears me, He doesn't just speak to me, He does have the power to CHANGE me. In an instant, I can become more like Him. And I don't have to do anything but refuse to fight it. 

Desperate prayers are powerful prayers. In order for my "desperation for God" to work, I must be humble enough to recognize that without Him, I'm a dead woman walking. Without Him, there's no point. I don't need God to just solve my problems. I need God.  

The issues, the problems, the tragedy, the hard, it's all doable, if God has me. So I have to be desperate enough to admit that I can't and He can, and then I have to rest in His hands. Like the most luxurious underground shelter during the most powerful tornado that is hurling debris and knocking down gigantic structures, God doesn't always stop the storm, but He always holds me through it. 

As you read through Psalms, what do you notice about the prayers you're reading? In what ways do you need to step up your prayer life? Let's commit to praying with all the honest desperation that our hearts can muster up. It matters. Prayer matters. 

God, I am amazed that I get to talk to You. And in awe that I also get to hear from You. Speak, Lord. I am listening. I'm desperate for Your presence in my life. I'm aware that without You, my life is for nothing. God, move in my heart, take residence in my soul. Create something new in me that can display Your glory in an even greater way. I love You so much. Amen.