Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God, however that may take place.

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Read

Psalm 33:12-22 (NRSV)

Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.

The LORD looks down from heaven;
he sees all humankind.
From where he sits enthroned he watches
all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all,
and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
he war horse is a vain hope for victory,
and by its great might it cannot save.

Truly the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death,
and to keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the LORD;
he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.

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Reflect

How do we change? We each wrestle with this question at some point in our lives when we face the sin within us. Some people will strongly deny change is possible because human beings are stubborn creatures. Indeed change is often difficult for us. Changing our physique takes time and a commitment to work on our diet and to exercise. Changing our grades in school requires the development and use of better study habits. But what about changing me. How do I change who I am? Is it even possible for me to change?

Psalm 33:12-22 speaks of the heart of both an individual and a nation. The heart, according to the Bible, has been interpreted as being the source of our desires and decisions—the center of our being. God forms the hearts of all people; it is God’s arena to work and create change. This change occurs not through our own efforts, but by drawing closer to God.

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Pray

Loving God, I work hard and I want to change but still find myself struggling. Remind me of your faithfulness to me and give me a sense of your steady work within my heart. Help me to draw near to you today! Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Go with God.