Lenten Reflections, Day 16

Thursday, March 8th, 2012

Written by: Matthew Swope

Reading: Isaiah 55: 6-9

We are all human. Everyday we face situations in which our thoughts (and yes, at times, actions) do not seem befitting ourselves, much less worthy of God. At work, we might dwell on the co-worker or client who tends to complicate matters. Waiting for the car in front of us to realize that the light changed to green ten seconds ago, we might expel a few uncustomary words. In the face of serious illness or personal adversity, we might question God’s intentions in our lives. All of these angst and anxiety-filled moments in life remind us of our need for a merciful God whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

Likewise, even when we are truly living in the spirit, our gifts and generosity pale in comparison to the ways of the Lord. The cry in the book of Isaiah exhorts us to "seek the Lord" in all things. When we call upon the Lord in good times and in bad, He quickly reminds us of His mercy and His grace. As we seek the Lord, so too He seeks us in our daily lives so that we might realize His ways in this world.

Let us Pray:

Dear God, help me to seek you in all that I do. Thank you for your grace and for always seeking me out even when I am not receptive to your call. Make the thoughts in my head, the words of my mouth, and the actions of my heart pleasing to you. Amen.

FAMILY MOMENT:

The season of Spring is a popular time for cleaning house. The Jewish people would often have a big cleaning leading up to the time of Passover. Spend some time cleaning the glass surfaces in your home together. Talk about how when things are clean they shine and show a reflection. When we are clean, we shine and reflect God’s love for us!

Loving God, help us to shine for you! Help us to be a reflection of your love in the world. When people look at us, we want them to see YOU! AMEN.