The writers of Encouraging.com are celebrating their fifteen year landmark by making their 365 daily devotional book, God Moments, available as a free digital download! A total of thirty-six GABC writers have faithfully captured “moments of God’s presence” in their lives to encourage your own spiritual journey. You can find God Moments on amazon.com, iTunes, and BarnesandNoble.com.


NIV is used unless otherwise noted.



Lovingkindness in the Morning

Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:8 (NASB)


We can put a man on the moon, but how a cat's purr is produced remains a mystery to science.

There have been many studies about the healing power of purring, not only internally for the cat, but externally, for people. Its low vibrations have been proven to lower blood pressure and alleviate depression. As a result, some friendly and placid cats are effective "therapy animals" in hospitals and retirement homes.

As one prone to anxiety and depression, Griffin was therapeutic to my soul.

Griffin was a mostly black and ordinary male cat. He joined our family as a six-week-old, thirteen years ago. For a cat, he was exceptionally mellow—a cool cat.
 
What made Griffin extraordinary was his calming presence and steady purring as I studied my Bible and met with my heavenly Father early each morning. Once I was situated in my comfy chair, he sprung with precision onto my lap, curled up, and the purring commenced.

His “motor” revved up with my stroking. Quiet reigned except for my whispered prayers, page turning, and Griffin’s rhythmic purring. Griffin sported a slight grin and frequently winked at me, which seemed to suggest that he thought he may have been the most spiritual cat in our neighborhood. His persistent purrs touched me like the mysterious and powerful, yet calming, indwelling Holy Spirit, Who connects my heart with His anew each morning.

We sat together in this way for years, until his recent passing. I miss him.

Before Jesus passed from His earthly life, He promised to leave us a Comforter. He knew we couldn’t thrive on our own. The Holy Spirit came and lives in those of us who are Christ followers. 

Holy Spirit, let us hear Your lovingkindness as we call on You. You teach us and renew our souls. We praise You and thank You!

Karen Sims

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