Focus

Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.

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Read

Psalm 146:7b-9 (NRSV)

The LORD sets the prisoners free;
the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
the LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

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Reflect

A woman became a client of mine because she was having a lot of conflicts with her college-age daughter. Three months later she and her daughter were getting along well. Then she said, “Uh…well… there’s one more thing we might ought to talk about.”

She twisted in her chair, gripped its arms, tried a couple of times to speak, and finally blurted, “I think I have an eating disorder!” Indeed she did, having binged and purged twice a week for some 12 years. It was a serious problem accompanied by immense fear and shame. The outlook in psychology was very pessimistic—long, intensive treatment and then, maybe some relief. Where does a hard-working, financially-strapped, Christian woman go with that? How about going to Jesus? We agreed upon a strategy of prayer.

Two weeks later she reported that she could not quit thinking about a brother who had abused her in childhood. He remained a bully, ridiculing his Christian siblings and now she believed God was calling her to tell him that she was forgiving him. She would be seeing him at Thanksgiving, a mere three weeks away. She was afraid to talk to him, but more afraid of not following God’s direction.

Thanksgiving came and she faced him and her fears, telling him that the torment he had inflicted was wrong and that she forgave him for it. She braced herself, expecting his usual torrent of profanity and harsh ridicule. He stared at her blankly and finally walked slowly, silently away.

“The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down.” It’s right there. A promise she tested and found true. The bulimia? Ignoring the wisdom of the world, it, too, walked away. Done.

What needs lifting in your life? Are you ready for God’s help? Will you accept it if your participation is required?

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Pray

God, you have lifted me many times when I was not aware; even when I was aware, but not thankful. I praise and thank you. I ask for your comfort, guidance, and support in these matters that burden me now. Show me how to become joyfully obedient. Amen.

Go with God.