Today’s scripture: Psalm 118:5-18 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (John Seksay):
I still remember the woods that I wandered as a child. They covered the boundaries between the farms and separated the small towns in Pennsylvania where I grew up. I knew many of the paths by heart, including some that led to places I wasn’t supposed to go. Despite poison ivy, cliffs, venomous snakes, abandoned coal mines, and other hazards, I roamed with a great sense of confidence. I could always see home clearly in my mind, but sometimes I had to make my own path to get there. At times I got home muddy, wet, hungry, and scratched by briars, but I always got back home. Being home was always worth whatever consequences might come from my misadventures.
We all have times in our life when we feel like an outsider, like we’ve wandered off the beaten path somehow. If we move to a new city, start at a new school, get married, or change jobs, we go through an adjustment period. We cope with these external changes by drawing on our inner resources, our confidence in who we are and what we are capable of doing. Even in adverse circumstances, like those described in verses 10-13, where the whole world seems against you, you know that at least you are on your side.
But what happens when that’s not the case? What if you’ve fallen prey to addiction? What if circumstances have rendered you homeless far from family? What if you grew up in an abusive environment? What if you are gay or transgender, but have been taught to hate that? What happens when you seem your own worst enemy?
When we find ourselves in a social wilderness or one of life’s many “combat zones”, we have an ally, even when we are being our own worst enemy. The Lord’s name is a powerful weapon that summons the Spirit to protect us, to guide us, to restore us. It’s like an internal compass that points us in the direction we need to go!
That’s why I find verses 17-18 so meaningful. Regardless of the mess I’m in, I can get home if I am willing to have faith in the path God sets before me. God always keeps home ready for me; I just have to be willing to make the journey!
Thought for the day: How can I start each day aimed for the right path?
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.