Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Psalm 24:1–10

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
   the world, and those who live in it;
for he has founded it on the seas,
   and established it on the rivers.

Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
   And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
   who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
   and do not swear deceitfully.
They will receive blessing from the Lord,
   and vindication from the God of their salvation.
Such is the company of those who seek him,
   who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates!
   and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
   that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
   The Lord, strong and mighty,
    the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
   and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
   that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
   The Lord of hosts,
   he is the King of glory. (NRSV)

Reflection
I am great at beating myself up. Negative self-talk flows through my mind all day long. I’m not pretty enough . . . I’m not thin enough . . . I’m not a good enough mother . . . I’m not successful enough . . . I’m lousy and such and such . . . you get the idea.

Part of this is my own personal stuff and how I’m wired, but some of it has to do with the world we live in. We are constantly exposed to images of “perfection,” whether it be on TV, in magazines, on social media, or even when we are simply walking down the street. Seeing these “perfect” people can make the cycle of negative self-talk and poor self-esteem never-ending. It’s exhausting.

Despite all of these negative thoughts, I try to remember that I am a child of God. I am loved by God more than I can even begin to imagine. God wants to be a part of my life, even when I feel less than worthy.

This psalm is a great reminder that each and every one of us is a beloved child of God, and God loves us despite our weaknesses. We all have moments when we are less than perfect, yet God still invites us to stand in God’s holy place.

Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for your unending love and support, even when I am far less than perfect. When I am faced with challenging thoughts, help me to remember that I am yours, and I am loved no matter what. Amen.

Written by Briana Belding-Peck, Family Ministry Coordinator

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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