When we fail to see the Lord, it’s not that he is missing; we just aren’t looking. Father in heaven, please don’t let us lose sight of you.
Note: This was written the day after the Boston Marathon bombing, 2013
Lord, I’m angry! Where were you when the bombs exploded yesterday? Where were you when the twin towers fell, or when people were shot in the theater or when children died in their school? I’m angry and discouraged because I don’t understand how our almighty and loving God can allow these terrible things to happen. I know I’m supposed to have faith and trust in you, but it is so difficult in times like these.
Thank you, God, for loving and forgiving me even when I have difficulty loving, forgiving, and even believing in you.
I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even when I feel it not. I believe in God, even when he is silent.[Words found scrawled on a cellar wall in the bombed ruins of Cologne, Germany, following World War II]
Then Jesus said to his followers, “If any of you want to be my follower, you must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me. Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me will find it.” [Matthew 16:24-25 (ERV)]O Lord, picking up my cross means making changes in my life and that means leaving my comfort zone. I may not like who or where I am right now, but at least I know what to expect and what is expected of me. I’m afraid to change. Please give me the courage to step out of my old ways and face the unknown so that I may discover the life you have waiting for me.
These were the words of a young shepherd boy, armed only with a stick, a sling and five stones. They were said to a nine-foot tall giant, wearing 125 pounds of armor and armed with a huge spear. The boy, however, knew he had a secret weapon: the power of God!
Oh Lord, show us how to be like David. Give us both faith in you and confidence in our ability to meet whatever challenge you present. May we never cower in the face of what seem to be overpowering obstacles. What giants do you want me to slay today?
Help us remember that both mountain tops and deep canyons are inevitable in life. Thank you, Lord, for never abandoning us, no matter where we happen to be. When we are in the depths of life, when we are disappointed, hurt or discouraged, remind us that you have provided all that is required to pass through those dark places. We just need to stop depending on our own strength and power and follow you, our Lord and Shepherd. You will lead us safely through all the valleys of life.
Oh God, far too many of my prayers consist of me talking to you and far too few of my prayers involve me listening to you! Thank you for reminding me that only in my silence will I hear your voice.
Devotions of the Heart 