Emily D.

Today, Emily speaks to us about how God delights us, her journaling practice, and exploring the scriptures in Hebrew and Greek.

Emily D.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: I’ve been dissecting Psalm 86:11-13. “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness, give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart…for great is your love toward me.”

The ESV and KJV use the word unite. Give me a united heart. Love the Hebrew word for heart, lebab. It is our soul seat. The root word is ravish. The psalmist laments his sin and professes for God to ravish his heart. This is what my soul seat yearns for – for God to ravish my heart, quicken my soul, and fix all my affections on Him alone. He isn’t just what satisfies, He is Who delights.

“He isn’t just what satisfies, He is Who delights.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Being consistently in the word. What a gift the Bible is. Seriously, think about it. God doesn’t owe us anything. He doesn’t owe us answers or explanations. He doesn’t even owe us a conversation. And yet, He speaks to us in a staggering 31,102 verses. Holding a Bible in our hands is one of the greatest mercies and miracles given to man. Some days, I get to enjoy a 2 hour study while my son naps, other days, it’s my lunch break in the car. Regardless of the amount of time, I’m trying to grow in discipline. Plus, Jesus is such the delight of my heart. I usually can’t wait to spend time with him.

“God doesn’t owe us anything. He doesn’t owe us answers or explanations. He doesn’t even owe us a conversation. And yet, He speaks to us in a staggering 31,102 verses. Holding a Bible in our hands is one of the greatest mercies and miracles given to man.”

Profession: I’m a part-time marketer and part-time stay-at-home mom.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): One of my favorite books is Mercy Like Morning by Jane Johnson. It has revolutionized how I study the Bible.

Top three essentials: My journal. My Bible. A hot bubble bath.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I first met Jesus when I was seven. Lately, the Lord has opened my heart to know Him on deeper levels through in-depth study of the original Hebrew and Greek languages.

Hobby: I am an avid journaler and proponent of the spiritual discipline of journaling. My closet is stacked with dozens and dozens of completed journals, and they are so dear to me. You’ll find me frequently pulling them out and re-reading, learning more about God’s personal faithfulness to me. I also enjoy writing in my spare time. I originally began a blog when my boyfriend at the time (now husband) deployed with the army for a year. It was my way of coping. (He was a blackhawk pilot, hence the blog name Hawk & Her). Now, I write about what the Lord is showing me in my digging deep sessions of His Word.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: To stay spiritually strong, we’ve got to keep pressing into His heart. We’ve got to be in His Word. We’ve got to surround ourselves with a community of people who show us Jesus when life gets hard.

What is on your nightstand? I have a tray that I use to transport my Bible and journals and study tools. It’s currently sitting on my nightstand.

Define Christianity in a sentence: I’m slowly chewing my way though Exodus. I started noticing some repetition and started highlighting each use. The reoccurring phrase? “So you shall know that I AM the Lord.” Isn’t that the entire gift of the Gospel right there? Jesus entering into our humanity, taking our punishment, all to bring us back to the Father. God made knowable and approachable again. And not only does He allow us to know Him, but that’s His greatest desire.

“And not only does He allow us to know Him, but that’s His greatest desire.”

For more Emily:
Blog: https://hawkandher.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawk.and.her/

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO