Pause

When it comes to living a life that is rich, we know that it takes more than money. It has to include work that is meaningful and relationships that nourish.

That is the kind of life that God is interested in offering us. But we have choices to make; the appeal of true poverty, a life spent in self-interest and solitude, is surprisingly strong.

Choose now the richness of life God offers.

Listen

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday.

Psalm 91:1-6

Think

Self-reliance is a difficult thing to let go. From a young age we are taught and often exclaim that we can do things all by ourselves. But there are times when we need to cling to someone else, to put our trust in one who does not fail. God loves us and offers a refuge like that of a bird that covers its young with its wings.

When we begin to put our trust in God and practice giving that trust daily, it becomes second nature. We can rest assured that God really is our refuge and our fortress – in hard times and in good. It’s a choice we make – to be willing to give our trust to God.

Where do you put your trust? In the things that you can gain on earth? Or in the God who created the earth?

Susan Reed

Pray

Holy God, thank you for being a fortress and refuge – in times of need as well as in times of joy. Help me to trust you more, to seek after you instead of seeking after my own desires. Amen.

Go

May God fill your soul with waters of generosity,
Taking you to the gate of thirsty neighbors,
That you might come to know them and,
Knowing them,
Share from the richness of
God's love.