Wednesday January 24, 2024

Today is Wednesday, January 24 and we are finding delight in God’s Sabbath.

As I enter a time of solitude with God, I sit quietly and still my mind. I breathe deeply in and out and center my whole being on God’s presence. I seek to learn how God wants to bless me in the practice of Sabbath.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, I delight in your presence, I rejoice in your loving kindness, and I celebrate your goodness. I want to learn your way of living in this world. Teach me the rhythm of life you designed for your creation and help me find Sabbath rest in your love. Amen.

I delight in God’s goodness and praise him with the words of Psalm 37.

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24

Pause and Pray

Early on the night of his betrayal and arrest, Jesus met with his disciples, he washed their feet and they shared the Passover Meal. The Gospel of John contains what is known as the Farewell Discourse, the last recorded words of Jesus to his twelve disciples. These parting words are documented in John chapters 14-17. At the end of his life he comforted his followers, promised them the coming of the Holy Spirit, encouraged them to stay connected to the vine, and warned them about coming persecution. He promised them that following a time of grief, they would experience a joy that no one could take away from them. This joy is for me. This joy is the delight of life with Christ.

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:22-24

I consider how this particular excerpt from Jesus’ Farewell Discourse speaks to me this morning. Where are the places of my grief? Where are there remnants of hurt, suffering, pain or sorrow residing in my heart? Perhaps the constant pressure of life and work is getting me down, or the burdens I carry regarding my health, family, relationships or finances. Jesus promises me, his follower, that I will see him again and I will rejoice and have great joy. He promises me that I can ask my Father God for anything in his name. Anything.

Ask: What do I want to ask my Father God for this morning? How might Jesus want to make my joy complete?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, I know I live in a broken world that continues to be filled with divisions, suffering, injustice and pain. I live in a society that always pushes for more and is a constant swirl of grasping, striving and doing. Help me find that quiet Sabbath space, to delight in your presence, celebrate your goodness and enjoy your love. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:22-24

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

God wants to speak to me through the words of scripture and teach me his truth. I affirm my desire to listen to his still small voice and apply his wisdom to my daily life. Whatever words stand out to me today from the ancient recorded farewell words of my Lord Jesus, I expect them to speak directly to me this morning. I listen with the ear of my heart and repeat the word or phrase that stands out to me. In this passage I find the promise of the joy and delight Christ wants me to experience in life as well as the amazing assurance of answered prayer.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, come and reveal my places of loneliness, uncertainty, stress and grief. Remove the shadowy veil that protects my heart from hurt and pain. Enter in with your healing love and ancient promises. Help me find delight in Sabbath rest. I hear your invitation to ask my Father for anything in your name. I come and I ask in faith. Amen.

Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. Job 22:26-27

I leave this time of prayer renewed by the promises of Jesus. I go to proclaim his love and kindness to everyone I meet.

Amen