Hey Reader,

For the last two weeks, we've been talking about The Return.

We started by talking about those seasons when life gets busy, our rhythms change, and we suddenly recognize a distance in our time with God. Last week, I shared one of the ways I intentionally return when I recognize that distance in my own life. I do something I call a seeking, an intentional time when I remove distractions, create more space, and commit myself to seeking and hearing from God.

This week, I want to talk about what I've experienced on the other side of the return and the seeking.

Restoration.

One thing that helps me return is remembering all the ways God has restored me through His Word.

I don't say, “Time with God is time you will never regret spending,” as a catchphrase. I say it because it's a truth that I live by.

I've seen the power of God's Word meet me in deep and difficult moments and bring truth to the lies I had started believing. I've opened my Bible confused and found clarity. I've come discouraged and found hope. I've come weary and found strength. Again and again, I've watched God use His Word to restore something in me.

It makes me think of David's words in Psalm 23:

He restores my soul.

I love that David doesn't say he restores himself. The Shepherd does the restoring.

And sometimes we need to remember that because when we recognize distance, our instinct can be to figure out how to fix ourselves. We try to create the perfect routine, become more disciplined, or make up for all the time we think we've lost.

But what if the invitation isn't to fix yourself?

What if it's simply to return to the Shepherd and allow Him to restore what has become weary, distracted, discouraged, or depleted?

That's what I've shared with you over these last three weeks. And I want you to know, this isn't something I heard about.

The return. The seeking. The restoration.

It's something I've lived and walked through. It's a process I've had to return to whenever life becomes overwhelming and I recognize that distance beginning to form again.

Psalm 34:4 says,

There it is again: I sought the Lord.

That's why I've learned that distance does not have to become a destination.

Intentionality can get us moving in the right direction again.

So if this is you, it's time to return.

Return to the secret place where your soul is filled. Return to the table the Lord has prepared for you. Return to prayer, worship, His Word, and intimacy with Jesus.

Seek Him, and allow Him to restore you.

Don't linger in the distance when you've been invited to come close.

The Word is your weapon, but it's also a sacred safe place.

So this weekend, RETURN to the Word because "Time with God is time you will never regret spending!"

In the Word with you, ​Rachel G. Scott​ Founder, Word & Seed Ministries​ Bible Student-Teacher

​

P.S. Can't wait to see you Monday for the start of our Esther study together! I will be available at 7:00 a.m. ET.