Journey to the Cross

Pause

Almost everyone wants to be noticed. Pretty much everybody desires to be seen as special, even extraordinary.

That kind of ambition can get in the way of the Christian walk, however. If there is to be any glory gained from living our lives, it’s important to recognize that all the credit goes eventually to the One who made us and gifted us.

Prepare now to yield your spirit to the Spirit in whom all true glory resides.

Listen

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?

But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.

Psalm 130:1–6

Think

When the Psalms were written, the nights were very dark. There were no electric floodlights that could shine down and see who or what approached the gates. Those guards that kept watch in the ancient city sometimes surely waited in fear.

Our modern lives can make it seem like we have a lot under control. We have bright lights to see in the dark. Our sense of security makes life scarier when our illusions of control break down. When we have to wait through the night in a hospital, or worry where our homeless neighbor will sleep, our fear can surprise us.

Our culture’s sense of control sometimes prevents us from knowing how to rely on God. It is good to read the psalms, to learn their language of longing for God to be present to us, even in the darkest night.

Mike Angell

Pray

God, I don't want to be afraid, especially when things seem out of control. Help me to trust you and to follow the light I know. Amen.

Go

We all fall short of the glory of God.
But being a follower of Jesus means taking the risk
That the resurrection-informed life is the better way.

Take the risk that your prayers might be powerful,
That love may in fact be the strongest thing of all,
Worth giving all you have that it might be known.

The glory of God will light your way.