Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Scripture

“The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.” Ps 145:14

Reflections

Falling is not a matter of “if”.  It is a matter of “when”.

We follow in the way of Jesus.  We do our best.  We then have our weak moments.  We stumble.  We fall.  Sometimes it is hard to get back up on our own.  This is why God blesses us with brothers and sisters in the faith.  They walk alongside us.  They pick us up when we fall.  They serve as God’s ongoing agents of love and restoration.  God uses them as our ever-present help in time of need.

Those who try to go it alone as a Christian will often run into difficulty.  God made us to be dependent upon one another.  His will is that we would help each other out.  When we choose to isolate ourselves, we cut ourselves off from the powerful experience of grace that comes through others.  It is through our brothers and sisters that we experience that “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.” (Ps. 145:8-9)

Everyone has their moments when they stumble.  Following Jesus is not about living a perfect life.  It’s about living a forgiven life.  The path of stumbling is a life-long path.  Our final fall will be followed with God’s final act; raising us up to life once again.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for my brothers and sisters who lift me up when I stumble.  Keep me from isolating myself.  Use me as one to lift up others who stumble.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Psalm 145:8-14