Focus

Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.

---

Read

Psalm 73:21-28 (NRSV)

When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
I was stupid and ignorant;
I was like a brute beast toward you.
Nevertheless I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me with honor.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Indeed, those who are far from you will perish;
you put an end to those who are false to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
to tell of all your works.

---

Reflect

Sometimes life’s challenges can get the best of us. Family problems, financial worries or health concerns can push us to the brink, even to the point of distrusting God. The Psalmist aptly describes this feeling. “I was like a brute beast toward you.” Responding like an injured animal, our fears and anger can alienate us from the source of our help.

In our survival mode, our thoughts race toward the past or into the future. In so doing, they rob us of the joy of now. They cause us to forget the sustaining power of God in the present moment. Our spirit lives only in the present moment. Our relationship with God is in the present. When we let our minds ruminate or worry, we fail to notice how God is caring for us in the moment.

Practicing the ancient Christian discipline of breath prayer can remind us of God’s sustaining power. Mindfully inhaling reminds us of God’s presence. Slowly exhaling, we offer our cares to God. Focusing on life-giving breath can be our source of refuge. Then, with the Psalmist we can acknowledge “…for me, it is good to be near God.”

---

Pray

Through the challenges and worries of our lives, help us God to rely on you. May our mindful breathing remind us of your sustaining power and your grace. May we find refuge in you. Amen.

Go with God.