Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything, but God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

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Read

Psalm 27:7-14 (NRSV)

Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud,
be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger,
you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
If my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will take me up.

Teach me your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!

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Reflect

In the “Marshes of Glynn,” Sidney Lanier, reflecting on the goodness and beauty of creation, wrote “As the marsh-hen secretly builds on the watery sod, behold I will build me a nest on the greatness of God.”

The Bible from Genesis to Revelation speaks about the goodness of God. We are born wrapped in the goodness of God. As Christians we say this primarily because of Jesus’ tender teachings found in the Gospels that provide us with the best window we have for seeing God’s goodness.

Having recently celebrated the birth of Jesus, can anyone doubt that the manger scene of mother and child with the animals nearby is the best picture we have of God’s goodness? Our grandchildren looked carefully at the manger scene their grandmother had arranged. Asking if they could move the shepherds and wise men figures closer to the manger, they commented, “We think the people would want to be closer to Jesus.” We continue to seek and find God’s goodness.

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Pray

Loving God, when I get close to Jesus, I see your goodness that leaves each moment of life ripe with possibility. You have ways that are far beyond my understanding. Help me to see the path I need to walk. Be with all who are struggling to make a hard decision and feel torn, uncertain, and full of fear. Let your wisdom fill my heart and mind. May the goodness emanating from you fill me with courage and clarity. Guide me to walk in your ways. Hold my hands in dark hours and grant me the peace that passes all understanding. Amen.

Go with God.