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 84 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

To the leader: according to The Gittith. Of the Korahites. A Psalm.

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!

My soul longs, indeed it faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy
to the living God.

Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.

Happy are those who live in your house,
ever singing your praise.Selah

Happy are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

As they go through the valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.

They go from strength to strength;
the God of gods will be seen in Zion.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob!Selah

Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed.

For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than live in the tents of wickedness.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
he bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does the Lord withhold
from those who walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts,
happy is everyone who trusts in you.

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Reflect

Sometimes during the winter months we allow ourselves to be negatively affected by short days, cold temperatures, and gray skies. According to Psychology Today, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects an estimated ten million Americans. Many of us also experience a heightened sense of sadness or loneliness during this time of year.

The psalmist reminds us, however, that God is our sun and shield. We can find a cure for our blues if we put our trust in Him. If we allow our souls to yearn for the Lord, we can be like the crocuses that will soon bloom before spring. I have often seen their little purple and yellow heads pushing through the snow in my yard. They force themselves to rise above the dirt and reach for the sun. Their trumpet-shaped flesh sings for joy to the living God!

God’s creation models appropriate behavior for us. We should take our cue from them. Like the birds who lay their young at the altar of God, we should regularly bring ourselves and our families to His house of worship.

Even during the cold winter months, worship can bring us joy and serve as an antidote for our woes. Finding strength in Him can bring us happiness.

Let the joy of the Lord be your strength!

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Pray

O, Lord God of hosts, hear my prayers! Help me to turn toward your Son. Make my face to shine in the reflection of your holiness. Help me to walk uprightly and spend more time in your presence. Thank you for giving me hope. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Go with God!