Focus

Relax and listen. Consciously prepare to hear God’s Word. Clear your mind of the worries and tasks that lie before you. Open your heart and allow it to refresh.

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Read

Psalm 107:1-9, 43 (NRSV)

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
those he redeemed from trouble
and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.

Some wandered in desert wastes,
finding no way to an inhabited town;
hungry and thirsty,
their soul fainted within them.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress;
he led them by a straight way,
until they reached an inhabited town.
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
For he satisfies the thirsty,
and the hungry he fills with good things.
…

Let those who are wise give heed to these things,
and consider the steadfast love of the LORD.

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Reflect

Psalm 107 is one of thanksgiving, extolling God for delivering God’s people from a variety of troubles. The psalmist includes a reference to the deliverance from Egypt after they had been lost in the desert (verses 4-9). His words describe the case of those whom the Lord had redeemed from the bondage of evil, who pass through the world as a dangerous and dreary wilderness, often ready to faint through troubles, fears, and temptations. The psalmist encourages them (beneficiaries of God’s providential care) to express gratitude.

God providentially cares for us in our daily human experiences, including times of distress, banishment, dispersion, captivity, and the need for daily provisions. God is good to us! Each day, God awakens us to new possibilities. God gives us new mercies each morning.

In what way has God been good to you? How do you feel blessed? Just to be alive is a blessing. To have movement in your limbs is a blessing. To have family and friends is a blessing. Since we are blessed every day, every day should be one of thanksgiving. The following lyrics are so true and challenging:

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Pray

O God, you have been gracious and kind to me. Thank you for your daily provisions, for your watchful care, and for your tender mercies. You have been good to me; each day is a new day of blessings. As I go through this day, help me to be aware of blessings you are bestowing on me; may I be thankful for each one. Amen.

Go with God.