Starting a new Habit on the 1st day of the month just feels right.
The obsessive control freak side of me really appreciates the way this one all lined up, enough so to start this new Habit four days before finishing my previous Habit to Write Everyday. But as I stated in the Wisdom and Worship overview, adding this Habit in isn’t such a big schedule change since I pretty much do it anyway.
Years and years ago at a previous church, an older deacon expressed his habit of reading a chapter of Proverbs everyday as a way to hide truth in his heart and to help with the recall of Scripture. Since then, I’ve done this on and off with good results. It has also allowed me to recall Scripture in times of need, though honestly, I couldn’t be for certain what the specific chapter or verse is. I usually just make the comment that “Scripture says…” and then paraphrase as needed. It might not be exact, but it does help me in the moment.
At a recent Women’s Retreat, when I had the opportunity to speak with Karen Porter, she made mention of reading the 5 chapters of Psalms each day. Honestly, I don’t normally read the Psalms since there are just so many of them! It feels overwhelming to even get started. But this idea of doing 5 a day and getting done in one month really stuck with me. Many of the chapters are short and can be completed pretty quick. (Psalms 119 does not qualify as short – Day 24 of the month is one that definitely requires a bit more time than normal to get through.)
After going through the Psalms purposefully each day, I really got a better understanding of the struggles and trials that David went through and how his praises helped bring him out of those struggles. Just knowing that someone else has faced struggles and found the victory through faith, really gives me hope. I’m super excited to be more intent with the study and internalization of Psalms and what blessings that will bring to my life.
Just starting out, I’ve got to say that adding the Wisdom and Worship Habit was the right choice!
-Blessings!
Habits of Healing 