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Lenten devotions 2008

MARCH 5 - WHEN THE WORLD CLOSES IN
by Carl Helrich, professor of physics

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 130 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete Scripture.

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DEVOTIONAL:
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.

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)
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 #