13th. May. 2022. Daily Devotion.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4
There’s nothing like bright sunshine to chase away clouds of weariness and anxiety. Soaking up the sun’s warmth and light can restore serenity faster than any potion or self-help advice. And if reflections of those rays are winking off gentle waves in a calm breeze, so much the better.
Heavens declare, and skies proclaim, day after day and night after night. The sun, like a joyful celestial runner, sets out in hope and rests in victory. All of creation testifies to the glory and splendour of God.
The psalmist goes on to remind us that the Creator of the world is the Creator of the Word, that just as the sun’s light benefits all of natural life, God’s perfect law enhances the lives of God’s people.
Yet the glory of the Creator and the love of the Redeemer mean little if they are not equally displayed on the horizon of our lives. A life that rejoices in God’s sovereignty and delights in God’s beauty; a life that knows what is right, true, and just and isn’t afraid to name it; and a life that kneels before its maker and owner and lays its thoughts and words—everything it says and thinks—before God as a sacrifice of praise: this is the life our Creator calls us to consider.
In what ways do you sense God calling you to a life that witnesses to him?
Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, Jesus, our Rock, and our Redeemer. Amen.
Let the door of our heart be always open to you, O Lord, that we may mark your entrance, embrace your presence, hear your voice, seek your strength, and hold fast to you for ever. Amen. Paul (Henry) Heath (1599-1643)
Loving God, you love, include, and seek to redeem and transform all, whether individuals, communities, or creation. Help us to trust that, wherever, however and whoever we are, there is a place for us within your love, and that this is equally true for our neighbours. Help us to see, as you see, that those who are different from us, or strangers amongst us, are still our neighbours. Help us to work out and live out every day what this might mean, by the grace and example of our Lord Jesus Christ; by the love, power, and compassion of God; and by the inspiring, connecting presence of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
For Health and Healing
Almighty God, you are the only source of health and healing. In you there is calm, and the only true peace in the universe. Grant to each one of us your children an awareness of your presence and give us perfect confidence in you. In all pain and weariness and anxiety teach us to yield ourselves to your never-failing care, knowing that your love and power surround us, trusting in your wisdom and providence to give us health and strength and peace when your time is best; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.