Pause

Every meaningful relationship results in disappointment at some point or another; someone always messes up. It's just part of the human condition.

But to live within the will of God is to seek reconciliation when this happens, and it's usually best if the one who messed up takes the initiative.

Oddly enough, in our relationship with God, that initiative has been taken by God. Now what shall we do in response?

Listen

O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; they shall be given over to the power of the sword, they shall be prey for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.

Psalm 63

Think

After an incredibly long day of travel on a mission trip, we pulled into a rest stop where one of our missionaries proclaimed with great excitement, “This state has the nicest rest stops anywhere!” Indeed, clean bathrooms and cold water were a welcome respite for our weary bodies.

I think Psalm 63 is one of the nicest rest stops anywhere as we continue this journey through Lent. As you read it today, soak in the promises of God’s Word. When we are thirsty and weary, God fills us with all that we need. When we are dry and without hope, the power and glory of the Creator of all gives us blessings beyond measure. For today, simply rest in the beauty of God’s gifts to us.

Cling to God – hold on with all you have – and rest, rest, rest in the comfort and assurance of God’s ever-present love.

Kerri Peterson-Davis

Pray

Breathe in God’s Spirit. Hold it and count to five. Release God’s Spirit.

Fill me with your calming presence, Holy One. Silence the noise around me and remind me that all shall be well as I rest in your presence. Amen.

Go

Don't be afraid.

Reaching out to God for forgiveness
is nothing to fear.
God is already reaching out to you
with nothing but love.