Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for a peace at this time.

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Read

Psalm 121 (NRSV)

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;
the LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.

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Reflect

This psalm reminds us that nothing is beyond God’s strength or power. Even when we feel alone and distant from God, God’s presence is as close as our next breath. There have been many times when I thought I was going through situations completely by myself. I felt full of doubt and wondered, “How on earth will I get through this? What is the solution?” Now I can look back and see what I could not see in the midst of my problems: God was with me every step of the way. God did not give up on me, even when I had given up on myself.

As our walk with God deepens, we come to the realization that God will guide us safely. This psalm was written on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and may be used as a metaphor for our spiritual journey through life. No doubt we may struggle, suffer, and encounter many difficulties in our lives. Though we may feel distant from God, God is with us every step of the way. Viewing the past from the vantage point of age and experience, I know that what I thought were wonderful coincidences was God taking action in my life.

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Pray

God, let me be open to your activity in my life. Please help me to be aware of how you take care of me and how you have done so throughout my life. Thank you for never giving up on me even though I had given up on myself. Thank you for the care you give me on my life’s journey. Amen.

Go with God.