Lenten devotions 2008
Tue, 4 Mar 2008MARCH 5 - WHEN THE WORLD CLOSES IN
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 130 (NRSV)
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DEVOTIONAL:
Whether or not we raise our hands to God seeking
salvation; or turn in on our fear and nurture it, God
is present. Deep within us, where alone we find
darkness and fear, God touches us. God brings us
salvation from our despair and our fear. If sin is the
separation from God and the denial of God, then we
have sinned. In our own eyes we are deserving of
the condemnation we heap upon ourselves. But God
does not condemn. We are God’s creation and God
forgives what we may not even be able to look at.
Words are sometimes very easy. Those who have
never seen darkness may find it easy to speak of
joy. It costs little to move from one radiant moment
to the next. But refusing to look into the darkness
does not bring light. If we are honest we see that
life is not all light and we know that need to be a
part of God’s salvation more than anything we can
name. It is that desperate need that opens us to
salvation and the new life that God offers. God
alone is our salvation. Salvation does not come
because the darkness has vanished.
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SCRIPTURE: Psalm 130 (NRSV)
by Carl Helrich, professor of physics
Scroll down for complete Scripture.
Each of us has known a time in which the world
closes in on us. There we feel alone and even may
despair. And the world only mirrors our emptiness.
The words even of our closest friends, whom we
love and trust, may bring us no relief. These are
times when we simply lose our way. And fear may
rob us of the ability to see beyond the darkness.
A Song of Ascents.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!
If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
Posted at 08:37 #
Disclaimer:
The views and beliefs expressed in the devotional piece prepared by each individual reflect their own spiritual growth journey and thoughts, and while created in a campus environment that encourages thoughtful questions and reflection on biblical Scripture and contemporary Christian themes, do not necessarily represent the official institutional positions of Goshen College or Mennonite Church USA.
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