“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.”
Philippians 4:8 HCSB
My son had a college instructor who repeated almost every sentence in her recorded lectures. At first, we’d laugh at how silly she sounded. Then we realized each lecture could be half as long! At times, we’d use a faster speed to move through the content. Yet, somehow the emphasis she placed on each repeated phrase allowed the information to sink in deeper.
How many times do you experience Divine Repeats? These are the special moments that help to reconnect us with what we currently need or are actively seeking at this time.
When there’s something we need to learn, it seems these lessons are repeated in words or deeds through those around us. Maybe you’re studying a Scripture passage, and it pops up in a friend’s text or a Sunday sermon.
You may also hear it in a song or story that pops up on the radio during a drive. This recently happened to me with a song about putting the devil back in his place and keeping ourselves focused on the Lord. Each time I heard it, I’d raise my voice in singing, while pointing behind me to show the devil where to go. Even now, it comes to mind in stressful situations!
The Bible has many repeated phrases, such as “be strong and courageous”, “do not fear”, and “rejoice in the Lord”. Scripture is even repeated from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
When we repeatedly dwell on the things of our Lord, we will grow in every area of our faith journey…
We can review a Bible verse until it sinks deeply into our spirit, where it can easily be recalled when needed.
We can repeat a few simple prayers and add to them as we grow more confident over time. We may then become comfortable enough to pray aloud with others.
When we seek His face
And learn His Holy ways
We’ll find clues in all we do
To guide us through our days.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for the repeats in our lives that help us learn more about You and how we are to live. Please help us to seek ways to dwell on what You say is good, and to praise You throughout our days. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Journal: What have you been experiencing on repeat? Where do you need to spend some time in repeated study to let things sink in?
Porch Chair Prayers 