Friday, December 15, 2023
Friday, December 15, 2023:
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray. Go about your day or turn in for the night.
Read: Psalm 126
This song celebrates the exiled Israelites return from captivity. Their waiting had come to an end at last. God, in his mighty power, restored them once more, remaining faithful to His covenant promises. Though we may sow in tears, only through our Father and Creator will we reap everlasting joy.
Be still and Reflect: Consider your usual strategy for achieving joy? Is it to eliminate things that hurt? Fill time with activities to forget? Numb the pain to get through the day? Where do you need to turn to God and trust Him to turn your sorrow or misfortune into shouts of joy?
Pray: Almighty God and Creator, do it again. As only You can, wipe away my tears with Your love and peace; exchange my misfortune with armloads of Your abundant blessings; and renew my heavy heart to be filled with Your abiding joy. Do it again, Lord, as only You can. Through the renewing power of Jesus Christ in me, Amen.