Today's Devotional: The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Spring Scents" for Thursday, 28 May 2015 - Scripture: Psalm 19:7-11

Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Spring Scents" for Thursday, 28 May 2015 - Scripture: Psalm 19:7 (6) It rises at one side of the sky,
circles around to the other side,
and nothing escapes its heat.
8 (7) The Torah of Adonai is perfect,
restoring the inner person.
The instruction of Adonai is sure,
making wise the thoughtless.
9 (8) The precepts of Adonai are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The mitzvah of Adonai is pure,
enlightening the eyes.
10 (9) The fear of Adonai is clean,
enduring forever.
The rulings of Adonai are true,
they are righteous altogether,
11 (10) more desirable than gold,
than much fine gold,
also sweeter than honey
or drippings from the honeycomb.
The Sovereign LORD declares, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”[Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)]
Our garden was created in part to showcase the amazing scents of spring. It includes violets, lavender, diosma, freesias, and lilac. This spring, I could see the beauty of these lovely plants and hear the bees busily at work, but I couldn’t enjoy the heady scents of the plants. As a lingering effect of a particularly difficult bout with bronchitis my sense of smell was compromised. I felt cut off from fully enjoying this season I love.
The situation made me think about my spiritual life. At times I feel totally “in tune” with God, and life seems fulfilling and complete. But at other times I feel more distant from God — as though I am going through the motions rather than being fully alive to God. That’s when life seems frustrating or dissatisfying. It’s not that God has moved away from me; it’s that I’ve allowed other things to get in the way of my relationship with God.
When any of us experience such a time and then turn back to God, we don’t need to worry about being given the cold shoulder. Instead, God is there, with open arms, to welcome us back.
Read more from the author, here.
"God's Whispers"
Since writing this devotional my relationship with God has continued to go through highs and lows.
I've continued to enjoy my garden too, but not just from the perspective of how it looks or smells. As I work in the garden I enjoy knowing that God and I are working together on something which can give other people joy.
Another part of my life which is spent working hand-in-hand with God is pastoral visiting. I visit the elderly members of our congregation. It has been surprising how often my visit has been timely. Sometimes it has coincided with the anniversary of a spouse’s death; sometimes it may be that they haven’t been able to get out for a few days, and they feel uplifted by a friendly face.
Sometimes the people I visit are facing serious issues, such as whether to enter an aged care facility because of their increasing frailty. Mostly I just listen. But there are times when the person wants to feel affirmed – that they still matter, even if their health is failing.
My offer to pray with them has seldom been rebuffed. Many people show real gratitude. Putting their cares, and my cares for them, into God’s hands is such a privilege.
Knowing that I have picked up on God’s whispers to go and visit someone is something really special. When I work with Him I feel uplifted and at peace...whether it be in the garden, visiting, or writing a devotional.
Blessings from Meg.[Meg Mangan]
The Author: Meg Mangan (New South Wales, Australia)
Thought for the Day: Am I filling my life with God — or something else?
Prayer: Loving Father, help us to become ever more responsive to you. May our lives be filled with you — your love, your Spirit, and your goodness. Amen.
Prayer focus: People Who Feel Separated From God
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