Today’s scripture: Psalm 144 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
There are times when I find it difficult to pray to God. If I am being honest, those are times that I usually have found myself in a mess of my own making. Especially when I feel as if I have been fighting a battle of the mind. I can remember times when doubt, disappointment, and discouragement have plagued me from all directions. I have struggled with my faith, wondering if God was tired of blessing me only to see me end up in the same place I was before. And so I’ve relied on my own devices to address some issues. I’ve relied on life experience to direct my steps, and I’ve relied on overtime to ease my financial worries. I’ve even buried my head in TV shows and video games in order to distract myself from unexpected pain and grief. As I have replaced God’s authority in my life with my own strength, I have found myself physically and emotionally drained; funny how that works. As I read the scripture today, I imagine King David praising God even through his pain and suffering. In the midst of suffering and war, King David finds comfort by remembering the promise of God’s reward. He doesn’t focus on the pains of the day.
How do you face struggles and adversity when it comes your way? Do you run and hide? Do you seek comfort by retreating to the safety of a pity party? Every day we are told to have an attitude of thanksgiving — even when we struggle. Every day we can learn how to trust God more by surrendering our struggles and getting on with the plan God has set for us. Every day we have opportunities to touch someone’s day by taking a moment to listen and to pray for them. It helps to remember that God is the wind under your wings — you can trust God. So get on with it!! It is so easy to become stuck where we are in life and to become discouraged. It is easy to imagine that God doesn’t want to be bothered with you or your problems, be they big or small. But when we begin to work our faith and move forward knowing that God is with us always, then is when we can continue the work God has ordained for each and every one of us.
Thought for the day: God will not let you go. The big news of the Bible is not that you love God but that God loves you! You never leave God’s mind, escape God’s sight, or flee from the thoughts of God. Your sins of tomorrow and failings of the future will never surprise the heavenly creator; God sees them now. It comforts me to know that God knows me better than I know myself; and even so, God loves me still! God’s love — never failing, never ending.
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.