We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on March 2, 2017.
Reading Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit, there is no deceit. While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah Therefore, let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you. Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart. (Psalm 32) Reflection A few years ago, I went to a lecture by David Gregory at Susquehanna University. Gregory is a CNN analyst, who used to work at NBC News and hosted “Meet The Press.” He was also a White House Correspondent during the George W. Bush presidency. Gregory has written a book about his journey of faith. He talked about it during his lecture. One of the points he made was that despite his rise in television news and being very successful, there were times in his life that he still felt empty. As we started to explore his Jewish faith, it started to be more in his heart, rather than just in his head. When I read this Psalm, I thought of Gregory’s speech. This Psalm reminds us of happiness as it is tied to our faith. It reminds us that God is always with us. It reminds us that there is more to life than just what happens on earth. Gregory says he reads the Psalms and turns to them for comfort. In times when you need to be reminded to be happy, or in times that you need a pick me up, turn to the Psalms and remember that God is with you. –Chad Hershberger Prayer Be by my side, Lord, and help me to see you and be happy. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Lent, we focus on baptismal identity and the consequent amendment of life.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Authors
Anyone is welcome to contribute! If you'd like to write for us, please e-mail [email protected] Email
Get our daily devotions delivered to your e-mail box each day by signing up below:
Archives
May 2022
Subscribe |