Thursday, December 26th

By: Sarah Morrell
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Reflection—v. 3, ‘Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved’

The psalmist’s cry for the shepherd to mend God’s people is a reminder that the desire for wholeness and deliverance does not come easily. As we experience growth and transition in the process of recovery, we face various challenges and circumstances and cry out to be shepherded through brutally honest places in our walk. Yet, despite where we may position ourselves within our fears, doubts, and anxieties, God grants us signs of hope and possibility. Just as Joseph experiences anxiety over how to divorce Mary and yet still uphold her honor, God sends an angel within Joseph’s dream. The dream is a vulnerable yet mysterious sign that spurs faithful Joseph to willingly respond to the promise of caring for his wife and for Emmanuel, ‘God is with us,’ our Savior and Guide. As we continue in our walks of recovery, may we become more receptive and name the happenstances—the ‘accidents,’ or more appropriately ‘God-moments’—as we faithfully navigate this shared journey.

Prayer: Spirit, guide us, shine, and reveal to us your presence in the everyday—the extraordinary, yes—but especially the ordinary

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