"After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone."
(MATTHEW14:23)

Psalm 8
Has the excitement of a new year begun to wear off? A few days ago, everyone was looking forward to what 2016 would bring. A week later, the party memories are fading and the pressures of life have crept back in, turning our moods more somber. Most of us don’t want to be melancholy, but how can we fight the January blues?


A study released last summer from Stanford University revealed that spending time in nature could improve your attitude. The researchers had one group of people spend 90 minutes by themselves in a quiet, natural part of campus and another group do the same thing on a busy, urban street. No surprise… those who spent time in a natural setting improved their moods.


It’s encouraging to read in the Gospels that Jesus often retreated to the mountains and into gardens to pray. We could do the same, retreating to a nearby “natural spot” to spend time with Jesus. But even if it’s too cold or wet to go outside, finding time to pray with Jesus will be a blessing. After all, He’s the one that created nature!



Scripture Focus

Psalm 8

Insight

God's glory is above all His creation. Yet the Creator of the universe thinks about you!

Bible In A Year

  • Genesis 14-15
  • Psalm 7
  • Matthew 12

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