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.
Read
Psalm 26
Plea for Justice and Declaration of Righteousness
Of David.
1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
test my heart and mind.
3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in faithfulness to you.[a]
4 I do not sit with the worthless,
nor do I consort with hypocrites;
5 I hate the company of evildoers,
and will not sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence,
and go around your altar, O Lord,
7 singing aloud a song of thanksgiving,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.
8 O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell,
and the place where your glory abides.
Reflect
I think I am a pretty good guy. I have tried to do what is right. In my heart, I have always loved God – or, at least I have said it enough times that I believe it. I have been careful not to hang around with “the wrong crowd.” I was always the “good preacher’s kid.” So I haven’t had the experience of those who have suffered bad home life, made bad decisions, or hung around bad people. I am pleased to share that self-analysis. But lest I fool you, or me, there are three things keeping my feet on the ground, and my heart humble: I don’t really know me; God knows me too well; God loves me, anyway. And I rely on those facts. Psalm 26:3, in the New International Reader’s Version, says, “I have always remembered your love that never fails. I have always depended on the fact that you are faithful.”
Pray
God, I am glad you know me and love me anyway. Thank you for forgiving me every time I ask. Thank you for the confirming peace of Your Presence. Speak peace to the woman, man, boy, or girl that needs to hear that you love them and forgive them. In Christ’s forgiving name, Amen.
Go with God!
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