This was written decades ago but it is still relevant for today.  Next week will be on a similar theme.  I mention that because to God there really is nothing new under the sun. (Ecc 1:9). For most people our lives seem to go in cycles.  When I taught kindergarten, some curricula were considered a spiral approach. You would teach a concept and come around to it again and again in a cycle: number sense, shapes, addition, subtraction, number sense, shapes, addition, subtraction, shapes, etc.  Then you would add another concept: number sense, shapes, addition, subtraction, patterning. 

I think the Lord does that!!  He, of course, uses different concepts; His sovereignty, our dependence on Him, trusting Him in hard times, praising Him at all times, walking in obedience, etc.  He will add what He sees you need; unselfishness, confidence in Him, freedom in the Spirit, tenacity and any number of things for our good.  This lesson seemed to be about His constant presence and applying what He teaches.

From the journal . . . . February 1996

Lord, I don’t get words from You very often.  I know it isn’t Your fault.  You always speak.  But maybe I’m too busy to listen.  O Lord, have mercy on me.  I need Your words and Your constant presence.  I’m not worthy of it and I’m unappreciative so often, but Jesus, I know how I need You.  The more I am around the more I know of my need.  Yet I am tired and sort of dry.  I will trust You.

And I Believe God Said:

I am there in the valley, and I am there on the mountain tops.  I am also in the deserts and the forests. *  You are with Me, but you are distracted by the things of this world. Keep your goals and objectives before you. And remember that your purpose in life is to glorify Me, to give others a better impression of Me and who I am. That is the purpose of all believers.  You are to light your world with My light and hope.  The gospel must be preached. *  You must be alert to act and speak in accordance to the hope that is in you.*  Pray for your students.  Encourage them with hope.

*Psalm 139: Where can I go from your Spirit?     Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,   if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,   your right hand will hold me fast.

*Mark 16:15  He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  NIV.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, NIV