Daily Encouragement

“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.”  (Psalm 3:5, NIV)

The close of each day provides us the opportunity to rest, reflect, and re-engage.

The writer of this psalm (David) wrote it while on the run from his son Absalom (a rogue child if ever there was one). See 2 Samuel, Chapter 15, for the background.

In critical times, we are reminded of our fragility.  We awake from our slumber only because God awakens us.  We live, only because God sustains us.

However, we need also to remember that God sustains us when life is sweet and everyone is at peace with us.  In every circumstance, give thanks to God for his grace.  – Luther

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”  (Proverbs 31:8, NIV)

Are we channels or are we reservoirs?

Reservoirs are designed to take-in and hold.  Channels give as they receive.  God expects us to be the latter.

Today’s scripture reminds us of our responsibility to expend the “capital” we’ve received (whether it be time, talent, or treasure) for the benefit of others — particularly those who are destitute or disenfranchised.  God blesses us in order that we might bless in His name those who have not.

Jesus came to the lost, the least, and the last.  As His disciples, we can do no more; we should do no less.  – Luther