We are in a challenging time in our world and country. This month I’ll be sharing once a week from the devotional “Awaken” by Priscilla Shirer, making time to pray, listen, and record as the Lord speaks to my heart.
” There is One who makes life worth living. The One who wants to Awaken you each day to the sound of His voice.”
~ Priscilla Shirer, Awaken
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“After this the people gathered the food morning by morning, each family according to its need.” (Exodus 16:21, NLT)
Manna – the daily sustenance provided by God.
Manna – to be gathered each morning.
Manna – gather as much as you need to eat.
This comforts me. Our daily requirement of “manna” (God’s Word) may differ for each of us. Some of us may eat large portions. Some may have petite appetites. But whatever the size of our appetite, when we partake – it will fill and satisfy us. It will sustain us.
All we need to do is come and partake and then wait. Wait to hear from Him. Wait to see Him move and work.
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Jesus and the disciples faced people all the time, all day long. The demands on them were endless. They did not have time to stop or to care for themselves. They, too, faced the challenge of pushing themselves constantly. And yet we find these words:
“He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.”
(Mark 6:31)
Secluded was the word that stood out to me. The dictionary brings this definition: “withdrawn from or involving little human or social activity.”
Sound familiar? Sound like “quarantine” or “self-isolation”? Those are the words we are currently hearing every day as we listen to the news.
What if this is the time the Lord is going to refuel our souls? What if He is going to do a deep work in us to heal and fix what has been wounded? What if we are going to emerge from this secluded place better equipped and filled by His Spirit to do greater things in the days ahead?
Yes, these are the rhetorical questions I am asking myself this morning. And now it seems that I have posed them to you all 
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As we awaken to His voice,
partaking of the manna He sets out for us today,
our souls will be refueled and equipped for the days ahead.
Photo 1: Photo 2: by Kate Remmer on Unsplash
Photo 3: by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
I never thought about the disciples not having time for self-care. You are right, Joanne, the burden of stress must have been unrelenting. This time of staying at home, hunkering down, and turning away from the busy world is the perfect opportunity for meditation and prayer. Thank you for these wonderful questions. I will be thinking about them for days to come.
I think we can emerge with greater insight, blessings, empathy, and sense of needing each other and God. God didn’t give us this time to waste, but to seize and turn to bounty. Thanks for these words.
So interested in this topic, Joanne, because my time and the use of it is a huge issue for me. Blessings to you!
I was excited to read this post because you are the first writer I ‘ve come across who has matched up the Scripture to come aside and rest with lockdown.
I agree, with all my heart.
God is truly doing wonderful things through this time.
Families are reconnecting.
People in apartments are getting to know neighbours.
The young are shopping for the old.
Parents are getting involved in their children’s education.
I am excited and expectant that much good will come of this time.
Thanks for writing about this!!
Joanne, I love the picture of Jesus wanting to be the One who awakens me each day with His voice. Though fear is rampant right now, we are loved by a Father who longs to draw us closer to Himself. How absolutely amazing will it be if believers scoot in close to Him each morning (or at some time during the day) and hear His words for them? What if we act on them and love a hurting, scared world? I believe He can use this time in powerful ways!
I love this Joanne! Manna is a beautiful picture of God’s grace! Thank you for sharing this. I’m excited about the weekly series.
Pinned.
Thank you for linking up at InstaEncouragements!