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Writer's pictureLisa Torres

Summer in the Psalms - Psalm 19

When I Feel Distracted by Lisa Torres

Oh hey, short on time? No worries! I'd love to join you on your commute or daily walk/run, or shoot, even while you take care of that to-do list. We can't let these things get in the way of this friendship. It's just starting to get good! Click below to listen to the blogcast.

When the weather warms up and a Saturday morning has some margin, I enjoy walking around the farmer's market.


A few years ago, a friend and I were in Leavenworth, Washington (not far from Seattle) and all of the fruit stands on the side of the road were so inviting, we had to stop. We ended up sampling their local honey. I loved it, but my friend not so much. Maybe, probably, most definitely because mine was called "Apple Blossom Honey" and she had to try "Buckwheat."


This week, my friend Lisa Torres is reminding us of a honey sweeter than what we find at the summer farmer's markets as she shares her reflection of Psalm 19 with us. Through this, we'll be prepared for the moments when we feel distracted by the less important things (because let's be real, this is a constant battle in our lives because the enemy is really good at distraction.)


Lisa is a motivational speaker, certified wellness coach as well as former international nonprofit fundraiser. She also recently launched her executive coaching business where she helps staff of growing nonprofits to serve with excellence. She is passionate about helping women 40 and over to embrace optimal health—mind, body, and soul. Her life experiences have led to her calling to reach women who are hiding in the shadows of brokenness and help them restore their identity in Christ. She has been able to do this by co-leading Calvary Chapel North Miami’s women's ministry, one-on-one discipleship as well as serving on mission trips.


Having grown up on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Lisa loves being outdoors and getting others to do the same. The beach is her happy place. She is an avid reader and podcast listener, always ready to share recommendations. Close to her heart is being a wife and Mom. Lisa is married to her husband of 24 years and homeschools their 13-year-old son. They love traveling and enjoy living in beautiful South Florida. You can follow Lisa on Instagram.



Have you ever tasted honey that was still on the honeycomb? It’s hard to describe its pure sweetness. Five years ago, while visiting dear friends in Haiti, a special treat of combed honey was offered to us. My son, then nine years old, and I put a bit on our fingers to taste and it was amazing!! Without a doubt, store bought is dismal in comparison to the original source!


Psalm 19 describes God’s ordinances as “sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” Even creation bears witness to how incredible His ways are above ours. Here’s the dilemma, or at least it has been mine in the past: life pulls us in a million and one directions. We find it easier to substitute everyday distractions for what is “more precious than gold.”


Two years ago, I came face to face with this reality during a difficult season. It was riddled by anxiety and depression as my life was full of doing “all the things.” From the outside looking in, everything seemed fine, but it wasn’t. The void within grew and instead of drawing closer to the One who is my refuge and strength, I chose my go-to idol of self-sufficiency with serious consequences. But God…He pursued me relentlessly and brought me back to wholeness.


Instrumental in my healing has been spending time in God’s presence, meditating on His Word, and embracing my identity in Him. Complete. Loved. Forgiven. Throughout Scripture, we see that the Lord pursues us and extends an invitation for us to “come.” For a long time, I believed that meant to come and do. Get right into action. Make things happen. Performing. What I’ve discovered is that it’s actually “come and be.” Everything else will follow from there.


These verses in Psalm 19 explain exactly how my emptiness was filled and it reminds me that all His promises are true.


The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statues of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. - Psalm 19:8-9

My daily practice of solitude and silence does indeed revive my soul and I’m very protective of it. Full disclosure, there has been a learning curve because it goes beyond my devotional routines of the past. There are no agendas or formulas. Just space for God to speak into my life and for me, to be real. I’ve become comfortable with the quiet and learned how to keep at bay thoughts of my daily to-do list. Anyone else have that challenge?


I treasure the gentle exchange between Jesus and Martha. He spoke directly yet lovingly to her about what was most important. Martha who was distracted by all she had to do and bringing her complaint to Him was reminded that only one thing is necessary, and it was what her sister, Mary, had chosen—time with Jesus. He pointed her to the truth,


“but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:42

Throughout His ministry, Jesus modeled for His disciples, and for us, the importance of God’s Word and time in His presence. The invitation to come is found continually in Scripture and promises restoration. He is the true source of our joy and strength. Let us be encouraged that He awaits us with open arms, ready to give us comfort and rest. He is our Lord, our Rock, and our Redeemer!


Now, It's Your Turn!

Before opening God's Word, take a moment to pray and ask God to meet you there. Then...


Read Psalm 19 a couple times. Highlight what stands out to you.


Circle verbs or specific wording you notice.


Then, write down a bullet point takeaway based on this. "I-statements" help make this personal. Think of this as a challenge statement.

  • The God of the universe longs for a personal relationship with me. When I come to Him, I don't need an agenda or a formula, I can just be me. He loves me as I am and longs to spend time with me.


Then, jot down a question or two to think about today. You don't have to have the answer to this question now. And yield to the Holy Spirit - prayerfully ask God to search your heart and lead you to more truth and grow your faith through the Holy Spirit.

  • Which everyday distraction am I allowing to be substituted for what is “more precious than gold"? How has God extended an invitation to me today to "come"? What will I need to lay down so I can "come and be" rather than "come and do"?


Again, we don't have to be Bible scholars and talk only in the thou's and art's of King James version to read this book. ...because when we pray before we read, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with us, guiding and teaching us.


Praise God for this!


And praise God for refreshment as we are intentional to spend a summer in the Psalms together, for if we want His truth to ever be on our lips, it must first be planted in our hearts.


Our strength grows as we rely on strength from above. Our joy grows as we see God transforming us from the inside out. Our peace grows as we spend time in God's presence, and we find rest when we intentionally seek the Lord first in our lives, for the Lord is ever our portion.


The good life, well it starts with a good day. Then another. Then another. Let's choose to live #TheGoodDay one day at a time.


I love hearing from you, so go ahead. Leave a comment. Be brave. Maybe your comment will speak life into someone else!


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