Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Scripture

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.” Psalm 138:7

Reflections

Younger people can be more inclined to invite trouble.  They are more likely to do crazy things and take risks.  Mortality is not much a part of their thinking.  Older people are the ones who look back at their years with a sense of amazement and think, “How on earth did I make it this far?”

Life is fragile.  Most adults know what it is to have a close call with a car accident.  Many have had some major medicalization that was life-threatening.  Pandemics remind people that we’re more vulnerable and closer to death than we would like to think.

God has brought us safely to this new day.  Our days on this earth are not over.  We could have been killed by lightning, but we were not.  We may be facing hardship and peril this day, but we are still here.  As long as we walk the face of this earth, God has something in store for us.  His kingdom is at hand.

We are here this day for a reason.  We may not always feel it, but God’s been with us all along.  We may be surrounded by trouble as our final deliverance has yet to come.  Still, God desires to work his purposes through us.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for bringing me safely to this new day.  Help me not to become overcome by adversity.  Keep my eyes focused on what you would have for me this day.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Psalm 138