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 43 (NRSV)

Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
against an ungodly people;
from those who are deceitful and unjust
deliver me!
For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
why have you cast me off?
Why must I walk about mournfully
because of the oppression of the enemy?

O send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling.
Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy;
and I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God.

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Reflect

There are times in life when we will feel all alone, times where it seems no one will come to our aid. I have experienced such times, and there was absolutely nothing I could do but cry and pray. Like the psalmist, when we find ourselves in the midst of these dark valleys, we need to trust that God will send light and truth to lead us. Even though we have faith and trust, we may still cry out like the psalmist, asking why we are not feeling God’s comforting presence.

As human beings, we experience doubts and times of silence when we do not feel the presence of God. Our inability to feel God’s presence does not mean that God has turned away from us or forgotten us. When I look back at the most challenging and desolate times in my life, it is only then that I can see how God was with me. During these times I experience my greatest spiritual growth.

One day in the future, it may not be for years, you will be able to comfort others who are experiencing times of loneliness and darkness. You will know then that God has taken your wounds and used them for God’s glory.

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Pray

God, even though we feel forgotten, help us to remember that you are always with us. When all we see is darkness, please send your light. When we feel wounded, please send your healing. Thank you for your love in the best of times and the worst of times. Amen.

Go with God.