Focus

Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.

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Read

Psalm 118:26-29 (NRSV)

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.
We bless you from the house of the LORD.
The LORD is God,
and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God, I will extol you.

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

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Reflect

This psalm reminds me that every day we have is a gift. We should treasure each day because it could be our last. Every day gives us an opportunity to share God’s love and joy with those around us.

What I find most interesting is that so many Christians aren’t filled with joy. They take God’s gifts for granted. We complain about having too much paperwork, too much homework, an unhappy boss, or the long hours we have to put in at work. We are quick to tell people how bad our lives are and how bad our day is going. And yet, scripture tells us that the most afflicted Christians spoke of how “joyful” they were. These Christians were being beaten, jailed, and killed because of their beliefs.

Shouldn’t we be joyful in the midst of affliction? Shouldn’t we be grateful for being able to have a personal relationship with God? Shouldn’t we wake up every day and say to ourselves, “You are my God, and I will give thanks to you”?

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Pray

God, we praise you for being who you are. Thank you for redeeming us from our past. Help us to praise you in all situations, and help us to find the joy that comes from a life lived with you. Amen.

Go with God.