Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

---

Read

Psalm 81:11-16 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

“But my people did not listen to my voice;
Israel would not submit to me.

So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
to follow their own counsels.

O that my people would listen to me,
that Israel would walk in my ways!

Then I would quickly subdue their enemies,
and turn my hand against their foes.

Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him,
and their doom would last forever.

I would feed you with the finest of the wheat,
and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

---

Reflect

Reading God’s words to the Israelites, they reminded me of a parent talking to a wayward child. “I only want the best for you! If you would’ve done what said, this wouldn’t have happened.” As parents, how many times have we wanted to say this very thing? But, as parents, we know that raising our children means sometimes allowing them to fail. They learn from making mistakes, even though some of those mistakes can be very painful. Our kids don’t always make the choices that we think they should make and all we can do is just be there for them.

Likewise, I’m sure God is not thrilled with the choices we make; however, like any good parent, God is there for us, loving us, listening to us, and forgiving us. How blessed are we that God loves us so unconditionally!

---

Pray

Loving God, thank you for being the spiritual parent that we all need. Your words guide us and we are free to accept the free gift of salvation offered to us and we choose your way to that decision. We choose you, God, now and always. Amen.

Go with God!