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 119:17-32 (NRSV)

Deal bountifully with your servant,
so that I may live and observe your word.
Open my eyes, so that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
I live as an alien in the land;
do not hide your commandments from me.
My soul is consumed with longing
for your ordinances at all times.
You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments;
take away from me their scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your decrees.
Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
Your decrees are my delight,
they are my counselors.

My soul clings to the dust;
revive me according to your word.
When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes.
Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
Put false ways far from me;
and graciously teach me your law.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your ordinances before me.
I cling to your decrees, O LORD;
let me not be put to shame.
I run the way of your commandments,
for you enlarge my understanding.

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Reflect

I’ve been listening to a youth minister talk about her recent adventures on a trip with 38 high school students visiting colleges and an amusement park. Even after the bus broke down and she had to deal with an unreliable bus company, this youth minister reflected on the joy of being at the park.

I love a good roller coaster, especially the old-fashioned wooden ones. The ups and downs are a perfect metaphor for the twists and turns of everyday life, which the psalmist was certainly experiencing.

The psalmist was having a bad day. Among the problems: feeling like a stranger, being the target of scorn and contempt, being the victim of slander, being laid low in the dust, weary with sorrow. Phew! Yet this psalm is one of praise and security found in the Word of God.

In the midst of suffering, the psalmist never faltered in affirming a great faith in the wondrous and saving works of God. There is comfort in God’s commandments, delight in God’s decrees, and strength in God’s Word. The psalmist’s faith never wavered because he knew to turn to God in the midst of suffering and trouble. Even when you feel as if life is against you, God will never falter or fail.

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Pray

God of suffering, God of joy, we know that life confronts us with ups and downs, twists and turns. Thank you for being with us in the midst of all life’s struggles and triumphs. Keep reminding us of where to turn when we are in need and when we rejoice. Fill us with gratitude. You are our hope and our joy. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Go with God.