Monday, December 6 Isaiah 40:1-11
He will gather the lambs in his arms...and gently lead the mother sheep.
(v. 11)
Have you ever wanted, as an adult, to have God scoop you up, hold you tenderly, and assure you that everything will be all right? I've longed for that several times - once, when I was going through my divorce, and another time, when I lost my job after twenty-two years. Perhaps you've lost a beloved family member, faced serious illness, lost your job and wondered how you would manage your next meal or rent payment, dealt with chronic pain, or experienced other fears or losses. Just the idea of being gathered in loving, caring arms is so comforting.
That's why these wonderful images of Gd as a good shepherd in Isaiah 40 (and throughout the Bible) are so inviting. Imagine being so loved, so desired, so cared for! Believe it. You are!
Does this assurance comfort you? Does it spur you to comfort all the broken hearts you see in those who inhabit your world? May it be so.
Good shepherd, thank you for your tender care. Amen.
Prayer concern: Those with broken hearts today.
Tuesday, December 7 Psalm 126
May those who sow in ears reap with shouts of joy. (v. 5)
The global pandemic that began in late 2019 produced an abundance of tears, fears, and panic. It exacerbated the divisiveness already at epic proportions in the United States, where I live. And we, along with people around the world, grieved the loss of countless lives and the fact that so many died without their families nearby to comfort them. Our hearts broke as well for overwhelmed health-care workers.
In addition to the generalized grief for others across the globe, I felt such a sense of loss at not being able to be with my three sons, daughters-in-law, and nine grandchildren. For months I was unable to visit my brother in the memory-care unit of a nursing home in another state. Each one of you has unique stories to tell about what that time meant for you.
However, in some cases, friendships deepened as we sought companionship and meaning. We learned that worship could happen anywhere. God's care was shown through a wide variety of helpers around the globe. The silver lining.
Thank you for turning our tears into joy and for always being with us, O God. Amen.
Prayer concern: All who remain steeped in grief
He will gather the lambs in his arms...and gently lead the mother sheep.
(v. 11)
Have you ever wanted, as an adult, to have God scoop you up, hold you tenderly, and assure you that everything will be all right? I've longed for that several times - once, when I was going through my divorce, and another time, when I lost my job after twenty-two years. Perhaps you've lost a beloved family member, faced serious illness, lost your job and wondered how you would manage your next meal or rent payment, dealt with chronic pain, or experienced other fears or losses. Just the idea of being gathered in loving, caring arms is so comforting.
That's why these wonderful images of Gd as a good shepherd in Isaiah 40 (and throughout the Bible) are so inviting. Imagine being so loved, so desired, so cared for! Believe it. You are!
Does this assurance comfort you? Does it spur you to comfort all the broken hearts you see in those who inhabit your world? May it be so.
Good shepherd, thank you for your tender care. Amen.
Prayer concern: Those with broken hearts today.
Tuesday, December 7 Psalm 126
May those who sow in ears reap with shouts of joy. (v. 5)
The global pandemic that began in late 2019 produced an abundance of tears, fears, and panic. It exacerbated the divisiveness already at epic proportions in the United States, where I live. And we, along with people around the world, grieved the loss of countless lives and the fact that so many died without their families nearby to comfort them. Our hearts broke as well for overwhelmed health-care workers.
In addition to the generalized grief for others across the globe, I felt such a sense of loss at not being able to be with my three sons, daughters-in-law, and nine grandchildren. For months I was unable to visit my brother in the memory-care unit of a nursing home in another state. Each one of you has unique stories to tell about what that time meant for you.
However, in some cases, friendships deepened as we sought companionship and meaning. We learned that worship could happen anywhere. God's care was shown through a wide variety of helpers around the globe. The silver lining.
Thank you for turning our tears into joy and for always being with us, O God. Amen.
Prayer concern: All who remain steeped in grief