Monday July 24, 2023

Today is Monday, July 24 and we are studying what the Bible says about perseverance.

I come to this time of prayer and intentionally slow down. I breathe deeply, release the tension of the day and invite God to speak to me in the stillness of this quiet space.

Pause and Pray

God, thank you for loving me. I am grateful for your promises that remind me I am not alone on this pilgrim journey, but you walk with me. Hold my hand. Lead me, guide me, encourage me and strengthen my steps. Amen.

I praise God and rejoice with the words of Psalm 129, a Psalm of Ascent.

“They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,” let Israel say; “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me. Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long. But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.” Psalm 129:1-4

Pause and Pray

We have been journeying to Jerusalem along with the ancient pilgrims singing the Psalms of Ascent. This week’s Psalm is Psalm 129, a song about perseverance in adversity. The people of God are tough, life is difficult and the journey requires a rugged faith. The book of Hebrews was written to a group of persecuted Christians who were tempted to leave the faith because of adversity. The author writes to encourage them to persevere despite opposition. The message is an encouragement for me to persevere in all circumstances despite the challenges, obstacles and setbacks I encounter.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

This message is for people like me, who sometimes get discouraged especially in the face of challenges and difficulties. At these times I remember I have a crowd cheering me on – the faithful from every generation, members of my family, my church family, and all the people who surround me with love and support. Because of God, I can throw off worry, doubt, fear and any negative self talk. Like an athlete I shed the unnecessary weight that clings like barnacles to my soul. I fix my eyes on Jesus. He has already blazed the trail and forged the path, he is the lead runner and shows me where to go and how to run. He runs with flawless form and sets the course for me to follow.

Ask: Where do I find myself weary, discouraged or weighed down in my journey? In what circumstance or situation do I need to persevere and run?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, I thank you for the saints that have gone before me, who have shared their faith and been examples of perseverance. I listen now to hear their voices cheering me on and encouraging me. Show me what hinders my progress and threatens to entangle me. Help me focus on Jesus. I fix my eyes on him and run the course you have set for me, not with weariness but with joy. I read the words from Hebrews again and listen for the message you have for me.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I ruminate on this passage of scripture, I consider the words that strike me today. I name those who have been my encouragers and supporters and pause to give God thanks for them. I ponder the words that seem to best capture the current state of my soul. Words like hinder, sin, entangle, shame, weariness and opposition. Or words like throw off, run, persevere, endure, focus, and joy. Perhaps God wants me to change my perspective or attitude in a certain circumstance. Maybe God wants me to receive the encouragement he and my church family have to offer. Am I losing in heart or gaining in heart?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, show me whatever is weighing me down and hindering my progress. Teach me what it means to throw it off, get up and run forward with you, following Jesus the lead runner. Not looking back to the brokenness and sorrow of the past but pressing forward to the goal you have for me in Christ Jesus my Lord. Amen.

Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:5b-7

I leave this time of prayer with my eyes fixed on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of my soul. I go to persevere in loving and serving others.

Amen