Listen

Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed? Why are you so upset inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God.

Psalm 42:11

Think

Several years ago, when my parents were visiting, my mom noticed a plant that was in pretty sad shape. It was scrawny and shriveled. After many months of “caring” for it, we had finally allowed it to take up final residence in the bathtub. I guess you could say that we had pretty much given up on it being a permanent fixture in our home.

Mom looked at it, took pity, and asked if she could take it home with her. I guess I thought, “Sure, go for it. You can throw it out as well as we can.” When I got the plant back a few years later, we almost had to rent a truck to get it home. What had started in a 6-inch pot with no leaves and a couple of dead-ish branches had returned in a 24-inch pot and with a four-foot wingspan. My mom rescued the plant. God can rescue us.

There is hope when we place ourselves in the presence of one who can save.

Byron Vance

Pray

O God, my Saving Presence, I turn to so many things before I turn to you. Yet you are the one who never leaves my side. Rescue me with your gentle care that I may grow even more healthy through you. Amen.

Go

Stay awake that you may see the many ways God is with you each day.