Focus
Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for a peace at this time.
Read
40 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people,
and he abhorred his heritage;
41 he gave them into the hand of the nations,
so that those who hated them ruled over them.
42 Their enemies oppressed them,
and they were brought into subjection under their power.
43 Many times he delivered them,
but they were rebellious in their purposes
and were brought low through their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless, he regarded their distress
when he heard their cry.
45 For their sake he remembered his covenant
and showed compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
46 He caused them to be pitied
by all who held them captive.
47 Save us, O Lord our God,
and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise.
48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
And let all the people say, “Amen.”
Praise the Lord!
Reflect
Over and over, God allows us to sink into the quicksand. We feel trapped. The more we struggle, the more we are ensnared.
We desire free will. But when we go off continuously to do our own thing, the pleasure is inevitably fleeting. And we make trouble for ourselves.
We want to be in control of others. We want our own way. It’s frightening to even consider that our neighbors might ever be in control of us. No, God, no!
Time after time, our loving God delivers us. From others. From ourselves. Is it possible for us to forgive others as God forgives us? Yes, it is possible! And yes, it is so difficult. Amen. Praise the Lord for that loving grace!
Pray
God of grace, I know that I could never deserve your love, your deliverance, nor your forgiveness. And yet you return to me time after time. Your abundant grace is overwhelming! Thank you for that. Help me to get better at listening to you. Help me to love better. Help me to love and forgive myself and my neighbors. Help me to desire with all my heart to be your disciple. In the name of the loving Christ Jesus, amen.
Go with God!
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