Russ shares how a devotional reading unexpectedly echoed his recent episode on pilgrimage psalms and became a personal reminder about the value of God’s presence. This short solo reflection connects Psalm language with Hebrews 10 and invites listeners to move from self-reliance to waiting on the Lord.

• In this episode, Russ explains how his devotional, The Daily Light, lined up with his recent teaching on pilgrimage psalms and the Songs of Ascent.
• He reads a devotional selection built from Psalms and Hebrews 10, centered on the idea that “it is good for me to draw near to God.”
• Russ notes how the repeated theme of God’s presence made it clear to him that the Lord was getting his attention.
• He shares a personal conviction that he had drifted back into “cowboy up” self-reliance instead of waiting on God.
• The episode emphasizes that, because of Jesus, believers can approach God with boldness and no shame.
• Russ stresses that coming to God does not excuse sin, but it does mean forgiveness and cleansing are available through Christ.
• He reflects on prayer as partnership with God, not a vending machine for getting what we want.
• He describes practical ways he experiences God’s presence: in his prayer chair, in the car, in worship music, and at church.
• The core takeaway is that being in God’s presence strengthens, comforts, and fills believers with joy.