Today’s scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:7-9 (NRSV) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Kristin Herrmann):
Often, passages in the Bible read like a foreign language to me. When I started writing for Be Still and Know, I bought a Bible translator book that summarizes each book into “regular words.” During the assignments when I’ve needed even more help, I’ve stopped by the church to review a copy of one of the children’s Bibles. Neither tactic worked for today’s reading.
I considered asking for a new assignment. I considered confessing that despite my professional degree and high supervisory position at work, I couldn’t grasp the meaning of three short verses. I thought about taking this experience as a sign that it was time to put the cap back on my pen.
I turned to a friend and asked if she could explain it to me in very simple words. With her help, I heard that every person already has what he or she needs. We have all the gifts, talents, and opportunities that we need to live the life God wants us to live. It reminded me of the prayer that I’ve had to call out more than a few hundred times in my life: “God, help me to be happy and content with the life I have. Help me to believe in myself.”
Thought for the day: Lord, it’s easy to think about what I don’t have and then to blame those things or characteristics as the cause of my unhappiness. Help me to believe in myself.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.