Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
Reflect
Can you imagine somebody telling you incredibly good news, but for some reason, you just don’t hear it? Maybe you don’t have to imagine that. Maybe you’ve been there. Depression, anxiety, and past trauma can cause us to focus on negative things and miss out on good things. (Responding to “I got accepted at my first-choice college” with worries about tuition costs, or responding to “You’re going to be grandparents” with “They’re too young” or “I’m too young,” for example.)
The Israelites couldn’t hear this great news God was telling them because they were traumatized by their experience as slaves. (And who wouldn’t be?) Trauma can lead to shame, and shame can make us withdraw from good things. (A sexual abuse survivor feels shame about his/her body and withdraws from intimate relationships. A kid who tries hard but doesn’t make the team feels shame and avoids all challenges.) One way to overcome trauma and shame is to talk about it with people you trust. Don’t be like those Israelites, unable to hear great news because of past trauma.
Pray
God, Let us hear the good news in our lives. Help us to understand You are in control and we can trust You for the future. Amen
Go with God.
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