Friday, March 15 Psalm
126
Claire Coenen
Not too long ago, I was in a
funk. I was stressed about school and my
career plans. I was worried about a sick
friend. I found myself jealous of those
who seemed to be thriving. I felt lonely and disconnected from God.
I talked to
my best friend from college, Rebecca, about my frustrations. After some encouragement she said, “and if I
can't pull you out of the rut, I'm still so happy to just sit in it with you
and share your company.” Those words were medicine to me. Instead of offering a
formula for getting better, Rebecca offered compassion and her friendship. She was willing to meet me where I was.
In scripture, we see God meeting people where they
are through the love of Jesus. He eats
with sinners. He lets the crowds come to
him. He heals people through touch.
Through His suffering on the cross, He meets us in our own places of deepest
pain. This Lenten season gives us time
to reflect on the ways Jesus approaches us where we are.
It is precisely because God comes to us that, in our
ruts or in our places of deepest darkness, we maintain hope. The psalmist ends Psalm 126 with the words: “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow will return with
songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” In the ruts of loneliness, grief, or
depression, Jesus is willing to be with us. His compassion for humanity
transforms our discontent into fulfillment and our weeping into songs of joy.
Prayer: Dear God, Please help me remember you are with me during my periods of
hardship. Help mw have faith that your presence heals.
Daily Challenge: Reach out to someone who is going through a rough time. Try to listen
more than counsel. Let that person know you are willing to be in the rut with
them.
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