...other meditations

a faith exercise

for this month's meditation, i woke up after a dream inspired to do something different. God has been speaking to me lately and much of what i have been hearing is questions. He has been asking me very important questions that He needs answers to; questions that stretch my faith. so, i thought i would share this exercise with all of you so you could benefit from spending some quality, heartfelt time with God as well.

this exercise is quite long, so allow yourself a sufficient block of dedicated time. basically, you will be journaling. so, grab your journal (if you use one) or a couple sheets of paper and a writing utensil and get comfortable at your computer. if the computer terminal is not a comfortable place for you, may i suggest printing this meditation out and moving yourself to a quiet comfortable place. if you do not have access to a printer, quickly jot down the questions , the thought-provoking phrases and scripture references on to a separate sheet of paper, leaving ample space for your thoughts. please feel free to use your bible. it may be helpful to look up additional scripture references.

before you begin, go to God in prayer and invite Him into your time of reflection. be still and quiet; listen for His voice. have Him search your heart and reveal to you your honest thoughts and feelings. don't be hasty with what you are about to write down. take your time and truly dig in deep. and remember to go with His leading; the questions and phrases i've written below are merely loose guidelines. enjoy your time with God!!

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PART 1- The Questions

Who is God to me?

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Cornithians 1:3,4

He will call out to me, `You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.' Psalm 89:26

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

Why do I love God so much?

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

What has God done for me?

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103: 11,12

Why am I so special to God?

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13,14

PART 2- The Letter

• Write a letter to God and speak from your heart. He will be reading every word you write; He is listening…

  Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:17

• Tell Him how much He means to you…

  O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

• If you have a burden, whether it's big or small, weighing you down, tell Him about it and ask Him to lift it off your shoulders…

  The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

• If there is sin in your life, talk about it with Him or confess it to Him and ask Him to forgive you and to help you turn away from that sinful behavior…

  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

• If you have put a lot of distance between you and God, invite Him closer to you once again…

  Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8

• Thank Him for being patient with you and for loving you beyond all measure…

  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

• Close your letter to God in your own special way and share with Him any final thoughts…

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now that you have finished your faith exercise, you needn't send the letter because God has read every word that came from your heart. i encourage you, now, to hold on to this letter and the questions above and revisit it from time to time. read your words to God and remember how you felt when you wrote them. maybe you could repeat this exercise on a monthly basis or quite possibly on a weekly or daily basis. whatever your choice, always remember that God is never far from you and that He is always ready to listen.

exercising my faith,

tamara