He restores my soul. Psalm 23:3 NASB

I boiled the water in the tea kettle and quickly poured the hot liquid into my travel mug. The tea bag had less than a minute to steep before I yanked it out, threw it in the trash can, and left for school. When I finally took a sip, my beloved cup of tea was merely lukewarm water. Yuck!

To be transparent, my personal quiet time last year was just like my warm cup of tea. I woke up with enough time to read Scripture and pray, but I didn’t give myself enough time to steep in the Savior’s love.

The prophet Isaiah understood how God’s people need time to steep in God’s Word because that is where strength for these weary days is found. He reminded the Hebrew people of who God is with these words:

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40: 28-31 NASB

I work full time at a private school with my husband and we have three teenagers in our home with awesome sports schedules. From home, to church, to school, to tournaments to school events, it’s easy these days for my soul to become tired and weary. That’s why I need Isaiah’s reminder.

When I take time to steep in His goodness, God’s Word penetrates my soul and my heart rests. In Him, I am reminded that He is the Everlasting God - from beginning to end. In Him, I am reminded that He is the Creator of all things created and He holds the whole world in His hands. In Him, I am reminded of how much I am known, loved, chosen, adored, and cherished by the King of kings. In Him, I am reminded that He never grows tired, and my weary heart moves from anxiety and worry to deep abiding trust from a peace that transcends all understanding.

In Him, He restores my soul (Psalm 23:3). The richness I gain from the powerful Holy Spirit moves my soul from being a lukewarm cup of water to being a robust, flavorful, vibrant cup of hot tea that can’t help but overflow onto others!

Will you join me at the foot of the cross and steep in the Savior’s love? It’s tea time!

Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your presence in every aspect of my life. Thank You for making me aware of the lack of time I spent steeping in Your Word last year. May this year be different. May I create space and time to steep in Your Word at the foot of the cross and take in everything You have to give me. May my faith be robust, full, and flavorful from this point forward! In the precious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.