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

Isaiah 41:8-10 (NRSV)

But you, Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
do not fear, for I am with you,
do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

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Reflect

My daughter begins high school this year. While most children find this an exciting rite of passage, my daughter is approaching it with much anxiety and fear. She is leaving behind the comfort of familiarity, a brother who will be remaining at the middle school, and entering the doors of the unknown feeling very much alone. It really tugs on a mother’s heartstrings, but on the morning of her first day, I will send her off with a prayer and words of assurance.

In this life there are many things that will seem stressful, hard to bear, unkind, or cause us anxiety. We can’t avoid them, but we can approach them with the comfort that God is with us. God does not abandon us. God gives us strength when we don’t feel strong. God provides courage when we are afraid. God is ever-present in our lives.

Whatever you are facing today, whether big or small, approach it with the assurance of this passage. God is with you. God is your guide, comfort, and strength. God will never leave you.

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Pray

God, you are ever-present in my life. You give me strength, courage, and comfort. Help me to remember that whatever I am facing today is not bigger than you. In all things, I put my trust in you. Amen.

Go with God.