I don’t think I’m finished with this week’s verse. It’s still working on me, so I’m carrying it into next week.
When I first read it, I was immediately transported back to my nan’s church and the song we used to sing.
(Here’s the version I found myself humming again:
And then, almost without trying, I started thinking about all the ways I don’t exalt God. The very first one happens the moment I wake up. Sometimes I rise and say, “Blessed are You, my God, Sovereign of the universe,” and then I go downstairs, make my coffee, and head back up to try to be still with Him. There’s also a cigarette in that routine, and lately I’ve been feeling convicted about it.
Stillness has been hard.
I remembered the first time I wanted to quit smoking. God stepped in, and I quit instantly. No cravings, no withdrawal. It was a miracle, and I took it for granted. I slipped back into smoking, and every attempt since has been a struggle.
But this verse keeps calling me back.
The LORD lives. He is my rock. He is my salvation.
He deserves the highest place in my life, above my habits, my comforts, my morning rituals, my failings. The life I have is because of Him. He watches over me, keeps me, protects me, provides for me, strengthens me, and restores me. He comes through for me again and again.
And yet I still struggle to pause the cigarette and the coffee long enough to make my first waking moment solely for Him.
Maybe that’s the adjustment I need to make. I’ve tried tiny steps, swapping coffee for a ginger shot or cinnamon tea, but that lasted half a week. So perhaps staying with this verse for another week is exactly right. Maybe I need to live with it until it shapes something in me. Until exalting God becomes the first thing, even if something else inevitably crops up later that needs adjusting too. I’m going to give it a try.
Closing Prayer
Abba Father,
This week has been rushed and hurried, and I’m sorry I didn’t give You my first. I’m sorry I haven’t yet mastered the art of seeking first the kingdom of God. I pray You give me the strength to reach the place my heart desires: to be in Your presence and worship you in all I do.
Abba Father, I pray for anyone struggling to exalt You. Guide us into a new way of life devoted to being with You.
In Yeshua’s name I pray. Amen.
Take a quiet moment with Psalm 18:46 this week.
Ask yourself:
What is one small place in my daily rhythm where I could pause long enough to exalt God, not perfectly, but intentionally?
Let the question sit with you.
Let it shape you slowly.
Let it meet you exactly where you are.
The Eleven One 
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