Saturday, July 28, 2018

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Psalm 145:10–18

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
   and all your faithful shall bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom,
    and tell of your power,
to make known to all people your mighty deeds,
   and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
   and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words,
   and gracious in all his deeds.
The Lord upholds all who are falling,
   and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
   and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
   satisfying the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is just in all his ways,
   and kind in all his doings.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
   to all who call on him in truth. (NRSV)

Reflection
I am a person who likes to be in control. I have plan A, B, and sometimes even plan C. I get frustrated when things aren’t working out according to those plans. I don’t always respond well when people share platitudes like “God works in mysterious ways” or “God has a plan,” but this psalm is a reminder that those platitudes have truth to them, that even when it feels like things are spinning out of control God is with you.

I am reminded of my pastor from when I was growing up. He started worship every Sunday with “This is the day which the Lord himself has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It is a phrase I say easily when the sun is shining and it is warm outside. But as I write this it is overcast, rainy, and so foggy that I can’t see the building across the street. This too is a day made by the Lord. The rain will help the plants to grow; let us rejoice and be glad in it. There are gray days in which I have a harder time seeing the light. But I challenge myself to grow in those experiences, to see how God is working even when I am falling.

Prayer
God, even when I doubt, you are with me. When I feel like all is lost, you are there to pick me up and help me put one foot in front of the other. Help me to remember when I feel like all is in chaos that you created all things and are in control. Amen.

Written by Katie Patterson, Youth Mission Coordinator

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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