Back to School

Pause

The halls at school are a study of opposites.

They are either filled with people walking, running, talking, bumping along — a sea of humanity with differing currents.

Or they are eerily empty and quiet.

Notice how your life reflects this same dichotomy of hustle and hush.

And notice where you encounter God in both.

Listen

So let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise through him, which is the fruit from our lips that confess his name. Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.

Hebrews 13:15-16

Think

What is a sacrifice of praise? Sometimes it’s easy to praise God — when we’re succeeding in our relationships and school work and life, and we can see God’s hand providing for our needs… praise God! Easy peasy!

But sometimes praising God comes less naturally — when we feel lonely, misunderstood, distant from God… we’re more inclined to cry out in anger or despair than praise.

Sometimes praise is easy, and sometimes it comes at great sacrifice. But we’re called to offer praise continually. We’re called to share what we have, even if what we have is a feeling of emptiness.

What can you offer to God today? Whether your offering comes with little or great sacrifice, know that God receives it with love and understanding.

Lauren Holder

Pray

Thank you, God, for receiving what I can give. Help me to praise you today and always! Amen.

Go

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

Dan Schutte in “Here I am Lord” (1995)