Devotion • February 19
Today's Hymn
“We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight”
We walk by faith and not by sight;
with gracious words draw near,
O Christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke:
“My peace be with you here.”
We may not touch your hands and side,
nor follow where you trod;
but in your promise we rejoice,
and cry, “My Lord and God!”
by Henry Alford
Hymn 166, Glory to God
verses 1–2
Reflection
One of my favorite Bible verses from as far back as I can remember is this first verse from Hebrews chapter 11:
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Looking back, I can hardly imagine what it was about this verse that captivated me. With two loving and faithful parents, siblings to squabble with, several good friends, and having all my physical and emotional needs met, there was virtually nothing of consequence I needed that I couldn’t see.
Now viewing life from my mid-sixties, I realize that all the situations, concerns, and questions I worry the most about concerning my family, my friends, and myself — health concerns, financial setbacks, relationship worries — are all matters whose outcomes I cannot see. Although I cannot yet claim to have a full measure of the peace that God has promised to those who believe, I have seen enough to know that God’s peace is a gift that we can have as much of as we will boldly ask for and live into.
Faith deepens as experience strips away pretense and reveals our dependence on the One who made us. The second half of verse two of “We Walk by Faith” reminds us that praise is to be our response when we recognize all the ways that God encourages and sustains us. My Lord and my God, indeed!
Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to see your hand in every blessing in my life, and help me to always keep a song of praise on my lips. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
Written by John Marr, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email
YouTube
Podcasts
/fourthchurch
#fourthchurch
#fourthchurch
@fourthchicago