Listen

Lord, listen closely to me and answer me, because I am poor and in need. Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you—you! My God! Have mercy on me, Lord, because I cry out to you all day long.

Psalm 86:1-3

Think

“Imagine what other people would say!” This common sentiment found in many languages and cultures revolves around the fear of negative opinions from other people. As a result of this fear, we tend to make ourselves appear like we “have it all together” during stressful moments in life. We might even tell ourselves that “everything is fine” so that we can hide from our true feelings.

In this psalm, David does the opposite of what would be expected of a powerful ruler and cries out honestly in his desperation. He does not pretend to be fine but is open about his emotions and leans fully on God for help. We don’t have to fake how we are feeling to God; God is a refuge from expectations of what other people might say. We are free to openly express what is on our hearts in total surrender. Take a moment to get still and be honest to yourself and with God about how you’re doing today.

Jon Chacko

Pray

Creator God, help me to be truthful in my feelings even when they are hard to accept. Amen.

Go

God, let my seeing and hearing, my words and my actions be rooted like a strong tree in a silent certainty of your presence. Amen.

Adapted from a Celtic benediction by J. Phillip Newell.