Listen

Praise the Lord! Those who honor the Lord, who adore God’s commandments, are truly happy! Their descendants will be strong throughout the land. The offspring of those who do right will be blessed; wealth and riches will be in their houses. Their righteousness stands forever. They shine in the dark for others who do right. They are merciful, compassionate, and righteous. Those who lend generously are good people— as are those who conduct their affairs with justice. Yes, these sorts of people will never be shaken; the righteous will be remembered forever!

Psalm 112:1-6

Think

Oftentimes it is helpful to remember the historical setting of Scripture and its impact on what I am reading. For instance, imagine yourself in the darkness known by people of the Holy Lands prior to Jesus’ ministry on earth – not a single light brighter than a large outdoor fire in the utter darkness of a moonless night. Next, imagine that same darkness without even a flame of candlelight. Now, you will have an idea of what the Psalmist writes about in verse 4.

It is from this very darkness that God’s goodness, through the loving kindness of the faithful, will “shine in the dark for others who do right.” How beautiful, then, that light would be!

So the next time someone helps you during a period of darkness, take a second to think of that light and how it is shining for you in that very moment. Praise the Lord for that light, which comes from Jesus, our only true Light.

Sarah H. Boatwright

Pray

Gracious God, thank you so much the generous and faithful people in my life. Please bless them and help me to be a blessing to others. Amen.

Go

Our highest activity must be response, not initiative.

C.S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain (1940)

What is your response to God today?