Today's Readings: New Testament -
Luke 20:9-19 / Romans 15:14-33
Old Testament -
Psalms 70 / Deuteronomy 32
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Psalm 70:4-5
4 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "Let God be exalted!" 5 Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.
Insight:
There are times when the pain and need of our lives seems to be in absolute contradiction to the hope and confidence we have in God. How can I say "Let God be exalted!" when I am poor and needy and in need of deliverance? How can we rejoice in God's salvation, when the circumstances of our lives draw scorn and ridicule ("Aha!" - vs. 3) from those who think our confidence and faith are misplaced?
Response & Action:
My hope is in the Lord! The circumstances and heartaches of today do not diminish who God is. The trials and heartache of today do not negate God's promises. On the contrary, my faith is proved and strengthened by my need and weakness. I cry out to God, trusting that he will help and deliver and not delay. Weeping may last for the night, but joy will come in the morning (Ps. 30:5).
Though others may mock my trust in God, I believe that my faith in God's unfailing mercy and salvation will always be vindicated in the end. Even in the darkest of days, I will hold on to the promise and hope that are mine in Christ. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2).
Hasten, O God, to save me; O Lord, come quickly to help me. You have been the help of your people in ages past, and you are my hope for the years to come. My hope is in you all day long. I will not give in to fear and worry and sorrow, but will instead make my requests known to you. May the peace of God guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit--one God, now and forever! Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Resources:
Waiting: Finding Hope When God Seems Silent
by Ben Patterson
Grace Points: Growth and Guidance in Times of Change
by Jane Rubietta
