Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Psalm 11 (NRSV)

In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to me,
“Flee like a bird to the mountains;
for look, the wicked bend the bow,
they have fitted their arrow to the string,
to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart.
If the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”

The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD’s throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold, his gaze examines humankind.
The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked,
and his soul hates the lover of violence.
On the wicked he will rain coals of fire and sulfur;
a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
For the LORD is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.

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Reflect

Some days, watching the news, reading the newspaper, or following the headlines on social media makes you just want to run and hide. Reports of violence and hatred take precedence and infiltrate our minds and homes. It is disheartening, and we may be left wondering where God is in all of this.

In Psalm 11, we see a good example of an individual’s trust in God. Regardless of what is going on around us, our faith in God and the knowledge that God is Lord sustains us. As Christians, we must trust that God is in control. God knows what is going on and sees everything in a broader spectrum than we are capable of. We don’t have to wonder where God is; the Lord is on the throne and will bless those who are righteous.

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Pray

Loving God, we are a world in need of your presence. Help us to trust in you. Guide us to live a life as righteous people regardless of what is going on around us. May we always remember we can take refuge in your love for us. Amen.

Go with God.