In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:1,4-5,14 NLT)
I will bless the Lord who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
My body rests in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
(Psalm 16:7-11 NLT)
For Reflection:
I read these passages and see God’s unfailing love—in a promise and a prayer. I see Jesus revealed. I see His power and faithfulness. The life and light He brings. Through these words and our Living Word, I see daily renewing of hope and trust, and I see so many promises embedded within! I breathe them in with a grateful smile, followed by a long sigh peppered with questions.
Am I securely grounded in Jesus, or am I shaken by challenging interactions with others, unexpected events, or things happening in the world around me? As I walk through my days and when I rest at night, am I confident in God’s presence with me? Am I looking for God to reveal His wisdom, strength, and power through His word to guide and restore me? Or am I leaning on my own plans, knowledge, and strength? While I want to trust Him with my whole heart, do I?
I admittedly find this hard to live out. Yet, I am encouraged by the hopeful prayer in this psalm, the confidence in the Lord’s presence, the absolute trust in His guidance, wisdom, and provision. I see the Lord as the psalmist’s complete source of joy, strength, and peace; and I long for that.
I wonder what God would reveal as I look to Him when I encounter challenges in my day and ask Him to reveal His perspective to me:
-Lord, show me what You see. In this situation I am facing.
-Help me to hear what You hear (in the words being spoken to me and from me).
-Show me how You see me and the others involved…
-How would You have me respond—in words or actions…continued prayer, silence and stillness?
-Please help me to trust you.
Our revealed Word of God, Jesus—God the Son—full of unfailing love and faithfulness, became flesh and dwelled among us. Whether we are feeling joyful and confident – or weary in despair, Jesus brings life and light; He guides and provides; He invites us to come to Him. As we seek and abide in Him, He reveals more of Himself to us…and in doing so, He restores us, one word, one step, sometimes even a breath at a time.
Let us pray:
Gracious Lord, I know that You are present and abounding in steadfast love and grace. You bring life, light, wisdom, and love. Thank you for your word, for all you are revealing to me. Thank you that you are right beside me, that you are faithful to your promises. Lord, please forgive for the times I seize control and struggle to trust you. Would you deepen my trust in you, help me to see things from your perspective and guide me in your wisdom through your word. Help me to remember that true joy and peace are found in You. Jesus, would you abide fully in me and help me to abide fully in You, in your unfailing love. Help me to remain steady in You, no matter what happens in my days and in our world. I seek you this day, and I trust you will guide and provide as I draw near. Thank you for loving me. Would you make known to me the path of life and fill me with joy in your presence. I love you. In the holy and precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
I wonder where I will notice your presence today?
I wonder what you will reveal to me as I reflect on your word and lean into you?