Journey to the Cross

Pause

Notice your breathing.

With each breath, become aware of the love with which God looks at you in this moment.

Listen

God says, “Because you are devoted to me, I’ll rescue you. I’ll protect you because you know my name. Whenever you cry out to me, I’ll answer. I’ll be with you in troubling times. I’ll save you and glorify you. I’ll fill you full with old age. I’ll show you my salvation.”

Psalm 91:14-16

Think

In this Psalm, God gives a simple reassurance: “I’ll be with you in troubling times.” When we call, God always hears and always answers, although we don’t always get the answer we want. This poem (attributed to an unknown soldier) illustrates this:

“I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of everyone;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all people, most richly blessed.”

Pray with the assurance today that God is listening and cares for you.

Jane Hartwell

Pray

Jesus, when I am in trouble, I call out to you for help. Thank you for answering my prayers. Amen.

Go

Whenever you find yourself journeying through a wilderness,

struggling with temptation, with weakness,

fearful of the shadows in your heart,

remember the words of Paul:

“I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.”

Romans 8:38-39