Focus

Let your soul take a moment of rest as you hear God’s word. Put your busy schedule, wandering mind, stressful thoughts, and burdened heart at the feet of the cross and open up to God’s voice as the Giver of Life tends your soul.

Read

Psalm 118:26-29 (NRSV)

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.
We bless you from the house of the LORD.
The LORD is God,
and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God, I will extol you.

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

Reflect

Several years ago, my cousin went through a very messy divorce. During this time, her only child severed her relationship with her mother. The loss of a child to death is unimaginable unless you have been there, but to know your child is alive and that you can’t be a part of his or her life is also devastating. Even though her daughter is an adult now, she is still estranged from her mother.

Because of my cousin’s many prayers over the years, she finally realized that you have to give love, even if the other person will not accept it. Her act of letting go and letting God led her back to the man she loved, but had been afraid to marry. Today, they are happily married and the light of the Lord shines through both of them as an example of a Christian marriage.

Pray

God, there are so many ways your light and steadfast love are shown through others. Help us to be examples of that love. Amen.

Go with God.

Gina Seeley is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Germantown in Germantown, Tennessee. She is currently serving as a volunteer Jr. High youth leader.