By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read Psalm 17:1-15

The Rev. Ron Purkey

“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” Psalm 17:15.

Is it not logical to believe the only one who can recreate us is the one who created us in the first place?

If your watch were out of order, you wouldn’t take it to a blacksmith. If your car needed overhauling, you wouldn’t go to a machine shop.

Our spiritual problems can be solved only by the God who created us originally. He created us in his own image and likeness; today, by the grace of his son, he can recreate us in the likeness of his resurrection. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are recreated and become partakers of his life.

First, get away (read Mark 6:31). You don’t have to use vacation days or drive far away to take a break with God. You can pick a place close by to relax and simply enjoy his presence.

Here are some ideas: a community park, a pool, a hammock or rocking chair, a quiet corner of an ice cream or coffee shop, a bookstore or library or a spot by the water. You might even bring some music or a journal.

Second, be still (read Psalm 46:10a). Taking time to “be still” may be harder today than ever. So much screams for our attention in this fast-paced, digital world.

In the Bible, the prophet Elijah heard God in the form of a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). If we don’t intentionally take time to turn down life’s noise and be still, we could miss God’s quiet message to our hearts.

Third, listen (read Proverbs 1:5). God often speaks to us in a still, small voice. Other times, he sends a meaningful message through a person or experience at the right moment. Yet, worry, stress and a growing “to-do” list can clutter our minds and keep us from listening.

Fourth, meditate (read Psalm 1:2). There are so many thoughts crowding our minds that it can be hard to focus. We’re pulled in every direction, with this person or that thing demanding our attention. But then we come to a verse like Psalm 1:2, which tells us to meditate on God’s Word. How exactly do you do that?

The Apostle Paul tells the believers in Philippi: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).

Fifth, be present (read Luke 10:41-42). Find yourself going through the motions or so frazzled that you can’t really enjoy a special moment? As the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 reveals, we can’t afford to be so busy or distracted that we fail to hear God’s voice, experience his presence and honor his goodness.

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.