Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

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Read

Psalm 62:5-12 (NRSV)

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah

Those of low estate are but a breath,
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no confidence in extortion,
and set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.
For you repay to all
according to their work.

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Reflect

The Christmas season has just recently passed and it seems as if we just get through this time by marking off events from our calendars. Middle school band Christmas performance (check). High school band Christmas performance (check). Sunday school class Christmas party (check). Church choir cantata (check). Children’s program and church Christmas party (check). Put up the Christmas tree and decorations (check). Work holiday banquet (check). Finish shopping (check). Christmas party with friends (check). Bake copious amounts of cookies and pies (check). The month from Thanksgiving to Christmas seems to be a whirlwind of activities, but very little time to focus on taking the time to sit down and think about the reason we celebrate this time of year.

Psalm 62 calls us to sit in stillness and know that God is our GOD. We do not prioritize appropriately at times. Throughout the year we find ourselves focused on our jobs, making money, spending money, etc. We spend so much time acquiring material things that we forget where our treasure really lies. We try to make ourselves happy by putting our hope in material objects. It never works. Taking the time to sit down without the television, radio, phone, or computer to distract us and inviting God to speak to us is more valuable than any bauble we might purchase. Spend time with God—you won’t regret it!

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Pray

Dear God, please help us to remember that our priority is you. Material things can never make us as happy as having a personal relationship with you. Thank you for all you do for us. Amen.

Go with God.