Today’s scripture: Psalm 126 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (John Seksay):
This psalm is a request for a repeat performance. The people have returned to their homeland from exile, a choice that they considered to be a blessing at the time. Now they are facing drought conditions and need some divine intervention. We know what a drought looks like. We had one last summer. We may have another this coming summer — we just can’t know until after the fact. So, what’s a person to do?
As it turns out, my neighbor MaryAnn has a very wise answer. Our condo complex lost a lot of grass to the drought last summer. Even though she is 89 years old, MaryAnn spread some new grass seed across the areas around her condo — right on top of the last snow as it was melting away. Does she know that we will have enough rain this year? No. Does she know that she will even be alive long enough to enjoy the grass she has sown in the coming year? No. What does she know for certain? That, if no seed is sown, there will be no grass.
It is often quoted how faith is the belief in things not currently visible. Such is MaryAnn’s grass seed. She has stepped out on faith to bless her community with a beautiful lawn this summer because doing nothing is just that — a guarantee of failure. She inspires her neighbors to step up with watering, weeding, and tending because she is willing to do what she can when the opportunity presents itself to take some constructive action in pursuit of her hopes. Last year’s disappointment has not led her to sit on her hands and expect God to do it all.
Thought for the day: My prayers have a better chance if I pray with my hand to the plow. God, help me see which actions I can take today to seed your blessings!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.