Ordinary Time

Pause

The stakes are high. The road is long. But your Savior walks with you, steadying your feet along the way.

Breathe in and remember God’s hope for you — that your journey may lead to God’s Kingdom come here, now, and forever.

Listen

Those whose way is blameless— who walk in the Lord’s Instruction— are truly happy! Those who guard God’s laws are truly happy! They seek God with all their hearts. They don’t even do anything wrong! They walk in God’s ways. God, you have ordered that your decrees should be kept most carefully. How I wish my ways were strong when it comes to keeping your statutes! Then I wouldn’t be ashamed when I examine all your commandments. I will give thanks to you with a heart that does right as I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes. Please don’t leave me all alone!

Psalm 119:1-8

Think

God requires much of us. At times, the road seems too long, the choice seems too difficult, our minds feel so weak. But the stakes are high — life or death — our life.

The Psalmist reminds us that people who walk with God are truly happy. People who follow God’s word and turn those words into action become strong. People who seek God with all their hearts experience everlasting life.

God asks so much of us. At times, it feels like too much. How can we make all the right choices? How can we obey endless commandments? How can we do nothing wrong?

But what the Psalmist also understands is that God never leaves us. God walks this road with us. God seeks to guide our steps in the same way that we seek to follow. And God requires much of us, because God desires to see our hearts at peace.

Emily Holladay

Pray

God of life, guide me as I seek to follow in your ways. Stay by my side as I walk this journey towards your Kingdom, and begin to live into your hope for me. Amen.

Go

Go. Take the next step, confident that the One who set the stakes high walks the road with you. Do not lose sight of what is good.

“And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Micah 6:8 (NRSV)