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

Psalm 32 (NRSV)

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else it will not stay near you.

Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

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Reflect

A few days ago I left the house in a rather bad mood. I had just scolded my 10-year-old grandson, Hunter, for being disrespectful to me. A few minutes after I left the house, my husband called. Before we got off the phone, Hunter wanted to talk to me. Before saying goodbye, Hunter said, “I love you, Meme.” Of course I replied, “I love you, too”. He sounded so sweet on the phone, as if nothing had transpired before our phone conversation. Just 10 minutes before he was mad, stomping around, and had an “I don’t care” attitude.

So I asked myself, “What’s different?” I was mad a few minutes ago, but now my heart is melting. How could I have kept that little episode from happening? I asked the Lord, “What am I doing wrong?” It only took a few seconds for an answer to come. “Why” asked the Lord, “have you not brought this to me in prayer and Bible study? Why have you not run to me every day for answers?” I then wondered out loud, “Why, Lord, do you put up with me”? In Psalm 32:1-2 God explains the answer to this question. “Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” God heard my wailing as a confession and my question as a need for forgiveness. Thanks be to God!

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Pray

Lord, when we become heavy with guilt, please open your arms as we run in your direction. Forgive us when we fail to turn to you first. Amen.

Go with God.