Ordinary Time

Pause

Life’s pathways are not always clearly marked. Trails wind into the wilderness and disappear, leaving no end in sight. And often you may wonder which way to go.

As you journey through life, there is One you can trust to be your guide—the One who has already walked the path for you and who walks beside you even now.

In these quiet moments, be still and listen for the One who is calling you home.

Listen

Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves."

John 14:8–11

Think

At times we doubt. It just seems to be part of our nature. We even question things that at times feel certain. Does my family love me? Do my friends really care? Do my teachers want what’s best for me? Does my pastor really believe all this stuff? Is God real, and how can I know that? Does God really love me regardless of what I’ve said and done? What does God want from me?

These questions haunt us and leave us discontented. They can also distract us from the very things that can bring peace and show us the way. By giving our attention to the doubts and the anxiety they cause, we become lost, searching desperately for a point of orientation to guide us.

It is OK to have doubts and questions, but when questions swirl and threaten to undo us, Jesus is our compass. He reminds us to focus on his words and actions. We find our way by remembering what he said and what he did.

Chad Senuta

Pray

Lord, I’m sorry for letting my questions overwhelm me. Help me to remember your words and actions. Let them be my starting point to navigate my doubts. Amen.

Go

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" by Elisha A. Hoffman, 1887