|
|
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Tuesday, February 24, 2004 Waiting |
A daily |
Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, February 24, 2004, by Brenda Kessler
Bible text:
Psalm 130
Tomorrow we begin the season of Lent. Although we should be reflecting on our
lives in relationship to our faith journeys at all times, the Lenten season is a
time when we are acutely aware of our Lord’s sacrifice for us. With grateful
hearts for His sacrifice, we pause to reflect on our lives.
Where am I falling short in my faith journey? Where are you falling short in
your faith journey? These are questions we all need to ask ourselves.
Pastor Dave gave a few of us “writer’s choice” before we begin our Lenten
Frontline Devotions. I have chosen Psalm 130 for today’s devotion because I am
especially drawn to verses five and six. “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen
wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.”
Waiting. Recently we waited for the birth of our sixth grandchild. It is
difficult to wait, especially for something so miraculous and wonderful as a new
child. As I waited for the call from our son, I found that I had many moments
to reflect on what this event would mean. Would I remember to give thanks to a
loving God who blessed our son and his wife with another child even when the
infertility “experts” proclaimed it would be highly unlikely? Would I look at
ways I can be more supportive to our adult children without infringing on their
“space?” Would I be up to the task of being a good grandmother to a sixth
grandchild now that I’m getting older? Would I be able to run around the bases
when we play whiffle ball with this grandchild as I could with the first
grandchild? After the waiting and the soul searching came a most precious gift,
a new child of God.
Waiting. During this Lenten season I plan to “wait for the Lord.” I plan to do
some “soul work.” It will be difficult. I don’t like to look at those things
in my life that need work. I don’t like to look at those things that need to be
changed. I’m afraid of what putting my hope in the Lord might require of me.
Might He require me to give more of my time to help others? Might he require
me to publicly oppose something that isn’t to his liking? Might He require me
to love ALL people more unconditionally? (Even those “know-it-alls?”) Might He
require me to dig a bit deeper into my finances to support His work? “My soul
waits for the Lord, and in his word I put my hope.”
Waiting. I invite you to “wait for the Lord.” I invite you to put your hope in
his word. I invite you to do some “soul work.” It will be difficult.
However, the good news is that after the waiting and after the “soul work,” we
will, yet again, be reminded that God gave us His most precious gift of all,
Jesus Christ!
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we begin this Lenten season help us to do some soul
work. Help us to trust in your word. Help us to walk through the shadow of the
cross with you so that when Easter Day arrives we truly will be forgiven Easter
people ready to serve you and your people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 |
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
Visit the |