A little midweek devotional

Psalm 16: 7-11 (Inclusive Bible)

I praise YHWH, who guides me;

even at night my heart teaches me. 

I’m always aware of your presence;

you are right by my side,

and nothing can shake me. 

My heart is happy and my tongue sings for joy;

I feel completely safe with you, 

because you won’t abandon me to the Grave;

you won’t let your loved one see decay. 

You show me the path to Life; 

your presence fills me with joy.

[Beautiful things are always in your right hand.] (a)

a. Ref: CEB

What a comforting passage!  It reminds us that God is always with us guiding and teaching us and leading us on the “path to Life”.  God gives us Joy and lots of beauty everyday if our eyes are open to it. 

How is God guiding you today?  What is God teaching you? What path has God set before you, leading you to Life?

There is so much going on in the world right now.  It’s hard to know which way to go, what to believe, even just how to feel! So how do we figure it out? How do we know?

Honestly, I’m there with you… confusion seems to be my middle name currently, which is probably why this passage seems so especially comforting!  But I think when in doubt, think of others.  How does this make them feel?  Try to place myself in their shoes.  How would I feel if this was happening to me or my children or my friends? How can I help?  Where can I help? How can learn to be better?  How can I learn more how to help and then do that!  

Sometimes, it’s easier to stay on the sidelines, to think this doesn’t really pertain to me so I’ll just stay out of it.  Those sidelines can see really safe but… are they?

I have been sitting in the stands watching games, sitting on the sidelines sometimes watching and been hit hard in the face by basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, you name it, I’ve probably been hit hard in the face with it… not while actively playing but while just sitting on the sidelines watching, minding my own business.  I’ve had black eyes, and broken glasses.  Let’s just say that I learned the hard way that the sidelines are not as safe they seem.  In the blink of an eye you can be the center of attention, you can end up in the middle of the game without ever wanting to be.

Wouldn’t it be easier to find a way to take a stand now, rather than when you’re forced into it?  I know it sounds cliche but ask yourself, what would Jesus do?  Would he just sit and let the money changers take advantage of the poor or would he get involved and try to make a change?

Holy God,

Help us to remember that you are always with us, leading us sometimes where we don’t really want to go. Give us courage and strength to follow where Jesus leads us… right into the thick of it.  Help us to move in a way that shares your love.  Help us to learn the lessons you want us learn.  To go out and try to educate ourselves and put ourselves in other’s shoes to better understand them.  Lord, fill us with your peace.  Amen.