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.

Teach me your way, Lord, so that I can walk in your truth. Make my heart focused only on honoring your name.

Psalm 86:1-3, 11

Think

​​Living far away from many friends and family, I’m amazed by the ease of global communication and grateful for the technology that makes it possible. I can call people six or seven time zones away, be in group chats spanning three continents, and scroll headlines from many different places. 

Of course, such a blessing can easily become a burden, particularly in times of conflict in our world. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, to feel distant and disconnected from places in need and people in pain. At a certain point, I need to put down the phone, close the laptop, and turn off the TV. I need to re-boot, re-focus, re-connect to something—to someone—that is deeper, closer, more faithful, more truthful than even the most integrated networks.

While our psalm for today cries out from a place of real need and honest struggle, it is also a good reminder of a God who listens closely to us, who stays connected to us, and who is worthy of our trust. 

Peter Hanson

Question to Ponder:

How do you intentionally disconnect when feeling overwhelmed? How do you connect (or re-connect) with God?

Pray

God, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Go with us, talk to us, calm our overwhelmed hearts and remind us of your all-encompassing love. Amen.

Go

God is our salvation and hope. Our work is to bring God’s kingdom of peace by the power of love in our thoughts, words, and actions.