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.

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Read

Psalm 23 (NRSV)

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
my whole life long.

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Reflect

When I read this psalm, verse 5 causes me to ponder: What does it mean to “…prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…?” In the ancient Near East it was customary to break bread with foes to settle differences.

We live in a time when lots of people say ugly things to those who don’t agree with them. Sometimes the people saying ugly things are Christians. Sometimes we just have to agree to disagree.

We have to remember that those who disagree with us are also children of God. Throughout the entire Bible, God’s mercy and grace are revealed. If God shows us abundant grace and mercy, who are we to deny the same to others?

The psalmist was submitting his life to God. We who submit ourselves to Jesus Christ are following the way of love and are called to be the humble servants of Christ.

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Pray

Creator God, help me to see others the way you see them. Make my heart open and compassionate. Amen.

Go with God.