Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Psalm 123

To you I lift up my eyes,
   O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
As the eyes of servants
   look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid
   to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
   until he has mercy upon us.

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
   for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our soul has had more than its fill
   of the scorn of those who are at ease,
   of the contempt of the proud. (NRSV)

Reflection
Regardless of what happens in life, you can depend on God. Psalm 123 provides us with a model of faith that is contingent on the ability to trust God more than human wisdom. The psalmist writes, “As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until he has mercy on us.” Like a servant looks to the master for provision, protection, and providence, we too must depend on God.

All too often we are distracted by the seemingly bad things that occur in life. In times of uncertainty, it is easy to focus on our distress. When we struggle to find work, confront illness, battle financial difficulties, and experience broken relationships, it is easy to drown in utter despair. During these times of turmoil, we need to shift focus from negativity so that we realize our pain is an opportunity for total dependence on a loving God who has the best intention for us.

How often have we been overwhelmed beyond the capacity to endure, thinking that we would never make it through the difficulty? Yet God sustains us, and we live to share an inspiring story that serves to benefit all who hear it.

Lean into life’s problems. Everything distasteful that happens is not an arbitrary blunder. Although you may not understand your situation in real time, you may later discover blessings within your problems.

Take pleasure in your life journey. Trust the detours, embrace the U-turns, and appreciate the providential bend in the road. God desires the very best for you.

Prayer
Faithful God, thank you for the difficulties in life. Although we may not understand every life situation, we can trust your heart, knowing that through our struggles you protect us from the idolatry of self-sufficiency. Amen.

Written by Robert Crouch, Director of Volunteer Ministry

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email