Focus

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

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Read

Jeremiah 33:1-9 (NRSV)

The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still confined in the court of the guard: Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it—the LORD is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city and the houses of the kings of Judah that were torn down to make a defense against the siege ramps and before the sword: The Chaldeans are coming in to fight and to fill them with the dead bodies of those whom I shall strike down in my anger and my wrath, for I have hidden my face from this city because of all their wickedness. I am going to bring it recovery and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel, and rebuild them as they were at first. I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me. And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them; they shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.

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Reflect

A few days after my husband passed away, I became aware of an intruder in the garage and was scared to stay in my home. I kept the house, but rented a duplex, where I felt very safe. After two years, I moved back home to help with finances. Because I continued to be scared, it was still very difficult for me to stay in my house. So, I slept at the homes of family members, and at my office. I finally went home one night, determined to stay there. However, because I was frozen with fear, I couldn’t drag myself into the house, so I slept in my car.

That night I realized how dysfunctional my life had become, and knew I needed help. So, worn and weary, I prayed a simple one-word prayer to God: “Help!” The next day I had a sweet peace about staying in my home, and I have been there ever since. In today’s scripture, God reminded Jeremiah that he only had to call on God, and God would answer. Whatever you are facing today that has you bound up in fear or depression, call on God. God will hear and answer you and show you things that you cannot even imagine.

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Pray

Dear God, thank you that when we have nowhere to turn, we can turn to you! Without you we are weak and can do nothing. Only you can give strength and peace to the weak. Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers when we cry out to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Go with God.