Ordinary Time

Pause

There are a lot of uncertainties in our lives. Relationships don’t always last. Possessions can be taken away or lost. Our abilities can change or even leave us over time. Nothing on this earth is unconditional and true.

And yet, over and over God proves that we can trust in the Lord for all of our needs. We can find rest for our souls in knowing that God always does what is promised. God always loves us, God always shows us the path we should follow, and God blesses us when we simply trust in who God is.

Listen

Fear of the Lord is where wisdom begins; sure knowledge is for all who keep God’s laws. God’s praise lasts forever!

Psalm 111:10

Think

Sometimes it might seem like we have a lot to do in order to be Christians. We may feel like we aren’t good enough, or don’t read our Bibles enough, or don’t understand faith enough. But God reminds us that we don’t have to have it all figured out to be blessed by God.

God asks that we respect God’s goodness, awesomeness, and presence. Then God asks that we obey; and we know from scripture that God is asking us to obey the commandment to love — God, others, and ourselves. This is the first step to a life filled with God: Respect and Love.

Once we set our minds to do those two things, the rest will come to us. God will reveal more to us as we need it. God will guide us when we need to know the path. God will answer our questions when we need certainty.

So, take a step back and breathe. God is only asking you to respect God and to love.

Courtney Jones Willis

Pray

Dear God, thank you for being the trustworthy and constant in my life. Help me to remember that I only have to respect you and obey through loving you, loving others, and loving myself. Amen.

Go

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

"Trust and Obey" by John H. Sammis