My title for this devotion is Sameness: Rut vs Routine.

I have spent the past two weeks playing hit-or-miss. My morning Quiet Time took a hit. Maybe I should say my normal, meet-God-in-the-morning Quiet Time took a hit.  I confess to getting up early so at the crack of dawn I could ride my bike. It was a good stress reliever plus I knew that later in the day would be a lost cause. I chose to ride before my hot day began. I would have my Quiet Time at night after Jo went to bed. But with no internet it was not possible to post here.

Maybe that’s why I told Jo last night as I was getting my things ready for my Quiet Time that I’ll be glad to get back to my routine. Some might call it a rut. And I suppose it could be. Early car drivers knew the conditions of the hard-packed roads means they needed to choose their rut wisely.  I’m choosing my rut. It’s early morning now and my routine is back!

I was reminded of that this morning as I began reading Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible. It is amazing to me how just after days out of the routine plays havoc with my spirit, Psalm 119 brings me back. “Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart.” [v.2] “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your Word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” [Vv.9-11]

What great words to hear this morning! I missed this morning “routine.” I missed this sameness. In this case, it is a good routine. I must keep it from being a rut, one I dread. But I must keep it a routine, one I look forward to. It is in this routine that I find my rest. I find my refuge. I find my strength.

“Father, let me seek you with my whole heart. Let me use this good ‘routine’ as the way to know you and to know your Word. Draw me near to you, Father, as I get back into your Word.”