Wednesday September 1, 2021

Today is Wednesday, September 1 and this week we are exploring the concept of restoration and how it applies to the people of God.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Come Holy Spirit, speak to my heart and my mind in the name of Jesus Christ. I strive to pay attention to Your still small voice. God, open the ears of my heart and teach me how to hear and comprehend what You are saying in my life. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s goodness and take heart with the ancient words of Psalm 27.

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14

Pause and Pray

Today I reflect on Paul’s words to the church in Corinth. These are written in his second letter to the congregation at a time when the people are facing significant suffering and internal divisions. Paul encourages them to take heart and perceive different possibilities. He helps them view their present circumstances through a new lens, a bigger lens, a God-size perspective. Paul’s words encourage me to look at my circumstances through a new lens also.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Similar to the people of Corinth, I also face challenges and encounter divisions in my life. I find these challenges and divisions in my home, my family, my workplace, my community and my world. I sometimes succumb to a negative perspective and become discouraged. God does not want me to “lose heart”. The Lord who loves me wants to restore my hope. I find restoration when I fix my eyes on what really matters in life. I pray and ask God to help me restore me to right-thinking and see circumstances from a new perspective.

Ask: Where do I find myself holding onto a negative attitude or a gloomy perspective?

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, I confess that sometimes I feel discouraged and frustrated with my surrounding circumstances. I long for you to restore hope in my life. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus and see things from a new perspective. I reread the words from Second Corinthians and seek your message for me today.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Ask: What word or phrase strikes me when I read this passage? What might God be speaking to me as I ponder this word or phrase in my heart?

I relish the idea of hope being restored in me. Inward renewal has the capacity to alter my perspective about everything in life. There are places in my life where I am worried and concerned. There are places in my life where I feel pessimistic and anticipate an unfavorable outcome. I acknowledge these places and name them before God. I want to see these circumstances from a new perspective. God’s perspective.

Pause and Pray

Come Holy Spirit. God, You are already aware of every circumstance in my life. You know my worries, sorrows and concerns. I invite you into my life and ask you to provide a new perspective. Renew my spirit, strengthen my heart and restore my hope. Amen.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I pray for the Holy Spirit to ease my worries and renew my spirit. Encourage me to calm the fears of others and bring hope to those around me in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.