Tuesday July 18, 2023

Today is Tuesday, July 18 and we are studying what the Bible says about God’s blessings.

As I begin this time of daily prayer, I pause to be still, slow my breathing and focus my mind on the God of blessing and peace.

Pause and Pray

Blessed and holy Lord, reveal the truth of your blessings for me, awaken me to your steadfast love and remind me of your great faithfulness. I put my complete trust in you as I continue traveling on this pilgrim journey. Amen.

I rejoice in the steadfast love of God and praise him with the words of Psalm 28.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever. Psalm 28:7-9

Pause and Pray

In Genesis chapter twelve, Abraham’s future seems fairly mundane and predictable. Abraham has lived his entire life in one small area of the world. He resides in the ancient homeland of his family in northwest Mesopotamia. His father Terah is the leader of their vast clan. Abraham’s wife Sarah is barren and the couple is childless. Abraham’s father dies at a ripe old age and over time Abraham accumulates wealth and possessions. Then unexpectedly God speaks. God says, “go”. He does not give specifics, just “go …to the land I will show you.”

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Genesis 12:1-4a

I imagine Abraham and Sarah standing outside looking to the west, wondering what the future holds. Where is God asking them to go? What will the new land be like? How long will the journey take? There is likely uncertainty and fear, but perhaps also excitement. There will be sacrifices, breaking ties with their homeland, leaving kindred behind, exchanging the known for the unknown. Without hesitation they pack up the household and set off. Following God on a long journey one step at a time. They must find security in God rather in what they have always known. They must learn to trust God on the journey.

Ask: What are the uncertainties in my current life’s journey? How can I learn to place my trust in God in these uncertainties?

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, speak to me as you spoke to Abraham and Sarah. Call me from my places of security and invite me to step out into the unknown with you. Teach me to follow you closely in times of uncertainty and help me learn to trust you every step of the way. Bless me and my family and let me live a life that is a blessing to others. I read the words from Genesis again and listen for the message you have for me. 

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Genesis 12:1-4a

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

The distance from Haran to the land of Canaan is a journey of about 500 miles. Four thousand years ago traveling by foot with a retinue of people, portable living quarters, food, livestock and supplies it was certainly a long, slow and arduous journey. The route wound through arid deserts and mountainous terrain. They would have encountered wild animals, shortages of water, disease and storms. Like Abraham and Sarah’s journey, the journey of life is not always easy. Even though God goes with me, the journey is sometimes difficult. Uncertainty abounds. Pilgrims must continue on the path and persevere in trusting God.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord, come and reveal the places in my life where I fail to trust you and obey you. Show me the places of my worry, fear and concern. Much of my future in this world is unknown and uncertain, but I am reminded that you know everything and you are with me. Bless my journey, light my path and guide my steps. Amen.

Through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me. Genesis 22:18

I leave this time of prayer blessed by the God who loves me. I go to bless others in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen