Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Psalm 146:5-10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God,

who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;

who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free;

the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!

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Reflect

I’m back again. Yesterday I explained my understanding of happiness and joy. Remember what the passage says – we are happy when our help and hope are in God. Is that the first place you turn when troubles and trials come? If you are like me, you first try to “fix-it” yourself and only after that fails do you turn to God. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but it’s true. However, as I get older, I find the time between trying to “fix-it” and remembering to give it to God is shorter than it was as I was younger. My favorite quote is “God is in control.” It is a proven fact. By letting go and letting God as we said a few decades ago, I can be happier because it’s not all up to me.

This passage is full of God’s work and goodness. He creates, sustains, rewards, executes justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets the prisoners free, opens the eyes of the blind, lifts up those who are bowed down, loves the righteous, watches over strangers, holds up the orphan & widow, and brings down the wicked. He is worthy of praise.

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Pray

God, Thank You for being in control. We don’t always remember that and try to take charge of things. Forgive us when we do that, and thank You for guiding us through the process of letting go and letting You.

Go with God!