So how’s the homework going this week? Have any of you come up with new ways to make God a more conscious part of your days? Are you finding time each day to learn more about Him? Has knowing Him become a priority for you?
I hope so. Even if you are spending just a few more minutes each day thinking of Him and meditating on His word, you are making progress.
One method I like to use to really focus on a passage of scripture is memorization. I know, I know. Memorization for me these days is kind of like trying to string beads on a broken necklace. The words keep slipping away. BUT I’ve found long-term retention is not my main goal anymore. I get the most benefit just from the process of memorizing. As I slow down and go over the words again and again, I notice nuggets of truth I often miss when I simply read through a passage.
I chose Psalm 34 as my homework psalm this week, so yesterday I plugged it into ScriptureTyper and began to memorize it. (If you haven’t discovered this online site, I highly recommend it. If you like computer games and competition, give it a try. It’s a fun way to memorize scripture on your computer or phone.)
Here’s what I noticed when I slowed down to learn the first three verses. David is expressing exactly what Claudine recommended in last week’s lesson:
“I will praise the LORD at all times; I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only of the LORD; let those who are helpless take heart. Come let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34: 1-3 [NLT]
Isn’t that what practicing His presence is? Praising Him at ALL times—the good, the bad and the ugly . . . boasting only in Him . . . taking time to exalt His name with others?
So . . . I’d like to hear from you. How is this going for you? Is it a struggle? Are you discovering new ways to include Him in your “dailies”? Use the REPLY box below to leave a comment and then join us on Thursday for Lesson #5.
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Equip Her 
I also chose Ps 34. It was brought to mind when Claudine quoted Deut 6, especially v.7b “Talk about them…when you lie down and when you get up.” From the NIV Ps 34:1 reads “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” Many years ago in a study of Moses, God put the desire in my heart to wake every morning with His Name on my lips. This has been an important and effective way for me to practice His presence from the very first moment of the day. Sometimes it is only a moment with Him. At other times it becomes a longer time of prayer and praise and Ps 34 gives me so many reasons! He is the One who delivers me from my fears; covers my shame; who hears; sees that I lack nothing; who delivers from brokenness, a crushed spirit, or trouble; who is the Redeemer! “My soul will boast in the LORD: let the afflicted hear and rejoice!” Ps 34:2 (NIV)
I love that idea of waking with His name on your lips, Carmen. And I agree. Psalm 34 is rich with reasons to praise Him!