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 29 (NRSV)

Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name;
worship the LORD in holy splendor.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD, over mighty waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

The voice of the LORD causes the oaks to whirl,
and strips the forest bare;
and in his temple all say, “Glory!”

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace!

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Reflect

Before moving to Texas, my husband, son, and I lived in an area of the Cumberland Mountains. Although we lived close to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, I commuted through the mountains to Chattanooga, where I worked in a level one trauma center.

I never knew what my work day would consist of—gang shootings, fatal car wrecks, house fires, co-sleeping deaths of infants. My work days were often filled with trauma, sadness, death, and dying…things that could easily make one have to search for God’s goodness.

There were days I was so disheartened and distracted that I would leave the hospital in tears. I was so overwhelmed by life’s junk and the chaos of society that I sometimes forgot all the spaces I felt and experienced God…until I left Chattanooga and found myself back in the mountains.

The beauty of the mountains instantly reminded me of how awesome God’s world really is. I was able to recognize God’s goodness, separate my world from God’s world, and experience the strength and peace that only God can provide.

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Pray

Creator God, reveal yourself to us. Help us to recognize your presence, strength, and peace, especially in the midst of chaos. Amen.

Go with God.