Pause

It's hard, mostly impossible, to see the world the way God does. Caught up in our own lives, we see the world mostly from our own narrow points of view.

Perhaps in these next few moments, however, you can get a glimpse of what the Creator sees, and hear the message that God has for all the world to understand.

Listen

You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him. From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.

Psalm 22:23-28

Think

When I was in high school there were kids that were disliked by others because of circumstances beyond their control. Some were poor; some had mental or emotional problems. They were often teased and rarely invited to social events. They were treated as if their afflictions were contagious.

God does not despise the afflicted. I’m glad, because the truth is, we are all afflicted in some way! Sometimes it is obvious to everyone. Sometimes others do not see how we are broken, but we know. We try to hide, and are often aware of our own faults and weaknesses. We do not want to be rejected.

We can give praise that God loves the afflicted. God loves us in our imperfections. God loves all who are broken and may seem unlovable. When we recognize that we are loved, despite our faults, then it is easier to love others.

Bonnie Cassida

Pray

God of all nations, thank you for your love for the weak and the poor. Fill my heart with your compassion so that I can see beyond the affliction, and see a child of God. Amen.

Go

Go now with the assurance
That God has you in mind;
God values you and
Knows your potential.
Live this day knowing
That God has something for you;
God is making a difference
Through you.