As the rain and snow

“The Lord is a great God,
    a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
    the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95:3-5

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
    let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him…
His lightnings light up the world;
    the earth sees and trembles…
The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
    and all the peoples see his glory.” Psalm 97:1-2,4,6

“Bless the Lord, O my soul!
    O Lord my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
    covering yourself with light as with a garment,
    stretching out the heavens like a tent.
He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;
he makes the clouds his chariot;
    he rides on the wings of the wind;
he makes his messengers winds,
    his ministers a flaming fire.

He set the earth on its foundations,
    so that it should never be moved.
You covered it with the deep as with a garment;
    the waters stood above the mountains.
At your rebuke they fled;
    at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.
The mountains rose, the valleys sank down
    to the place that you appointed for them.
You set a boundary that they may not pass,
    so that they might not again cover the earth.

You make springs gush forth in the valleys;
    they flow between the hills;
they give drink to every beast…
Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;
    they sing among the branches.
From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
    the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work…

O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom have you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
Here is the sea, great and wide,
    which teems with creatures innumerable,
    living things both small and great…

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works,
who looks on the earth and it trembles,
    who touches the mountains and they smoke!
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
    I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
    for I rejoice in the Lord.” Psalm 104:1-13,24-25,31-34

Catching our breath by inhaling the beauty of nature brings a life rhythm of wonder and praise. God the Creator touches man His creature through the beauties of all He has made, lifting thought, illuminating senses, inspiring praise to the Indescribable for what is inscrutable.

Is He Lord of every part of our nature? When do I pause to praise? From what will I rise to transcend the weight of here below to exalt Him above?

“Fairest Lord Jesus, 
ruler of all nature, 
O thou of God and man the Son, 
Thee will I cherish, 
Thee will I honor, 
thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

Fair are the meadows, 
fairer still the woodlands, 
robed in the blooming garb of spring:  
Jesus is fairer, 
Jesus is purer 
who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, 
fairer still the moonlight, 
and all the twinkling starry host:  
Jesus shines brighter, 
Jesus shines purer 
than all the angels heaven can boast.

Beautiful Savior!  
Lord of all the nations!  
Son of God and Son of Man!  
Glory and honor, 
praise, adoration, 
now and forevermore be thine.” ~Joseph Augustus Seiss (1823-1904)

Good Father, may I bow in awe and sing Your praises forever.

“Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, ‘So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.’ Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.’ And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’ And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’ And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:1-8

Elijah knew the sustenance of God. Heaven-sent ravens had already fed him at the Brook of Cherith, nourishing his body and preparing his faith to trust his Lord for supernatural multiplication of the widow’s flour and oil. God could do anything, and tended to deepest needs of body, mind, and spirit to equip His prophet for next steps. He never failed to supply for His own. (1 Kings 17:1-16; 19:9-18)

When the Lord has us on His path and in His grip, He knows our every need. A life of obedience is one of dependence. God does not mark out direction for His purposes then abandon us. Rather, He strives with us to accomplish not only His grand plan in the world but His personal plan in our lives. He’s not about famous public success with flimsy, self-willed people. He’s best glorified through His people, when we’re dependent and surrendered, emptied of self and filled with Him, trusting His daily manna and His strength in our weakness. (Exodus 16:4,14; 2 Corinthians 12:8-10; Philippians 4:19)

Where has God called me to go, to serve, to work, to invest in a new relationship, for Him? Am I reluctant to begin, whining about difficulty and lack? Uncertainty and loneliness? Do I rush ahead in my own smarts and strength, which are bound to run dry? Or do I take time to listen and converse with my loving and able Lord, and receive the nourishment He offers? Am I willing to go when He instructs, and rest and take His fortification when He graciously supplies? Would I then move forward, trusting He’ll continue to provide, to part waters, to feed as each need arises?

Faithful Father, may I glorify You by trusting and taking and savoring Your every provision for the journey You intend for me. Only in and through and with You will it find favor.

“The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and they were very dry. And he said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ And I answered, ‘O Lord God, you know.’ Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord… Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’

“So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.  And… behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy… say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.^‘  So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.” Ezekiel 37:1-10

Could there be a more vivid picture of lifelessness transformed than the Lord gave Ezekiel? The Author of life, since death was chosen in Eden, never leaves His people in death and despair. He is fully vested in His children to bring life to mortal bodies with immortal power, vitality, and fruitfulness.

“Then he said to me, ‘These bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’ Say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:11-14

Has our zeal to move forward or willingness to adapt and change dried up? Where have we lost spiritual edge and relinquished self control to indulgence, patience to impertinence and it’s-my-right-to-be-first, or gratitude to complaining? Do we choose to languish and give up, or earnestly beseech the Lord’s breath of energy and revival of all that lies fallow? God can make us willing to be made willing, and delights when we live to the full all He’s prepared for us. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Father, rejuvenate me. Fill me with Your life, that others see and come to know You, and desire Your dwelling place and sanctuary among them. (Ezekiel 37:27-28)

“Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth.” Philippians 1:27; 2:1-8,19-22a

A manner of life worthy of the gospel of Christ looks like that of Jesus. God’s children, having received encouragement, love, and the indwelling Spirit from Him, develop His mind and ways through ongoing sanctification. Paul urges the Philippians to pursue this unity of mind and love, centering their interests and devotion on their Sovereign. A pure and surrendered mind of Christ then inspires selfless living that transfers focus on self to the interests of others.

Interests of all kinds entice and cajole, and beckon us to sit a while and spend a lot. The enemy would have us focus on anything but the Lord, especially ourselves. With every such investment, we’re also deciding where not to take interest. Time spent on pampering and self-improvement is time not spent on helping others, unless physical health and strength need attention in order to make us able. Interest in my chosen topics can dominate conversation, selfish proclivities can rob someone else from exercising their gifts. Are we aware how much our own interests drive expenditure of time and resources that could be steered elsewhere? Am I robbing from God by personal pride and indulgence? (Malachi 3:8-10)

What does putting the interests of Christ and others first look like? It’s taking no effort to be served, but serving with generosity and zeal. It’s sacrificing with abandon for the needs of others and glory of Christ. It’s putting aside anger and bitterness to forgive others, because Christ has forgiven us. It’s spending and being spent for the sake of another’s spiritual welfare. It’s loving with patience and kindness, not keeping count of wrongs or taking advantage or demeaning another. It’s removing ourselves from the limelight and putting the focus and glory on Jesus. It’s faithfully living before others a life fixed on the hope of heaven, not material gain. It’s working humbly side by side agreeably, setting aside differences for the greater good. (Mark 10:45; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Ephesians 4:31-32; Philippians 2:14-15,17,30; 3:7-9,17-21; 4:2-5,14-18)

Lord, captivate my whole interest. May my energy and talents be spent on glorifying You and bringing benefit to others.

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.  And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.  And I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. And I will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you… 

“Thus says the Lord God: On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be rebuilt. And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by. And they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ Ezekiel 36:25-29,33-35

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“You have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off our old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness… Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:21-24,31-32

There are many things that can be cleaned and renewed, and it is prudent not to waste when an object can be revitalized or repurposed. But when we become children of God, our existence is more than revitalized. When we are saved unto true life in Christ, we have a new life as new creations in Him. He cleanses us so deeply He replaces our heart and spirit with new, so we beat divine blood and breathe holy air. When He gives us a new identity, He reorients our motivations and inclinations, thinking and walking.

Do we live as those who’ve been made new? Are our daily minds so transformed that we filter news and listen to media with a biblical perspective, or choose by the Spirit’s leading not to read or listen at all and spend our time altogether differently? How has the Lord Himself guided our thinking, or do we simply absorb and regurgitate what someone else has surmised? How keenly do we feel, and exhibit, the fruits of the Spirit in everyday interactions? It’s one thing to ‘behave,’ yet another to pulse with such new life that we impulsively respond with the righteousness of true life. (Acts 16:6; Romans 12:2; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Timothy 6:18-19)

Lord, help me put off and put on this day to give evidence to Christ’s true life in me, to the praise of Your glory. (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:5-21)

“I want you to know that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

“Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

“And I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me… I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:12-22,25-26a

Paul had spiritual eyes, and eagerly made the most of his situation. If prison was where his Sovereign planted him, there he would proclaim the gospel where it might not otherwise go, to the imperial guard, those tending to his care, and fellow prisoners. God’s chosen were everywhere, and he wanted to participate in their salvation. (Acts 16:25-34)

Paul’s example was an encouragement to watching believers. His spoken reason for his hope, even in untoward circumstances, emboldened their faith and advanced the good news. They progressed in joy as they observed his contentment, and persevered in prayer as they learned how it encouraged his faith and sharpened his vision. (Philippians 4:11; 1 Peter 3:15)

From a human perspective, imprisonment would never be the state of choice. And unjust confinement for righteous obedience would make the situation even more difficult to accept. But in God’s perspective, where He sees all things on an eternal continuum and working together for eternal good, such suffering may be simply a tool in the shadows for heavenly blessing. Through temporary unease and discomfort, He’s arranging many things more glorious and significant than are seen. (Matthew 5:11-12; Romans 8:28)

In unjust accusation or painful condition, what practical and spiritual opportunities has the Lord presented? In the grief of natural disaster or unexpected loss, how has He revealed himself and increased confidence in His larger purpose? In each confinement of hard relationship, uncertainty, or forced-upon-me out-of-my-control circumstance, how will I use it to grow in faith, exemplify Christ, advance the gospel?

Lord, please use every experiential jail to strengthen my faith and boldness. Help me make the most of laboring side by side with others, without fear and with joy, to spread Your gospel and exalt Your fame. (Philippians 1:27-28)

“Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.’ So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. And he said to his servant, ‘Go up now, look toward the sea.’ And he went up and looked and said, ‘There is nothing.’ And he said, ‘Go again,’ seven times. And at the seventh time he said, ‘Behold, a little cloud like a man’s hand is rising from the sea.’ And he said, ‘Go up, say to Ahab, “Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.”’ And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.” 1 Kings 18:41-46

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” James 5:16b-18

Elijah was an ordinary man, called to prophesy to a nation in turmoil and roiling in rebellion against God. Though targeted by a wicked king, and often alone and bereft, he maintained a deep communion with his God. What could be observed (and pitied) as a drought-stricken life was actually one tinged with the sound of rushing rain. Persistent prayer was his conduit to the flow of God’s grace and provision.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. If anyone is cheerful? Let him sing praise. Whatever a current situation- anguish of soul or exhilaration, bleak forecast or the benediction of a day- we can stay connected and filled with holy rain by prayer. It may thunder and surge, it may drop in near silence, but the rush is sure when communion with the Source stays intact. (James 5:13)

As we pray, the Lord not only actively hears but is already answering. He knows our needs before we ask, and teaches us of His great heart and care, and the gifts of patience and faith, when we exercise ongoing, persistent prayer. There’s a mysterious supernatural divine knowing, a settling of soul and awakening of expectancy, when we keep on. (Daniel 9:20-23; Matthew 6:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

With the harsh press of life issues, behemoth responsibilities in work and home, where do we draw direction and supply? Are we prone to freeze, or charge ahead, or give up? Resting in and trusting the bountiful nature of God gives impetus to walk forward in faith at each instruction. Knowing His promises opens our ears to the sound of His rain. (Psalm 103:1-8)

Will we keep on in prayer? Would we put away doubt and a fainting heart to listen for the sound of God’s rain?

Lord, help me continue in grateful, expectant prayer so I may know You better and glorify Your name.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

‘Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.’

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine,.. but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:1-20

There is a marked difference between darkness and light. As new creatures and faithful saints blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ, we’ve been removed from the realm of darkness forever and placed into the heavenly realm of light. We have put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. And it is our responsibility to live as such. There must be a reckoning of what is true worked out in practical exercise. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:1,3; 4:24)

When the light of Christ enters and is shed abroad in our hearts by His Spirit, it infiltrates thought, intention, and desire. We are to imitate the One who saved us, and walk in His light so we emulate His motivation and manner. The vestiges of old life will linger and flirt, and the world pulls as a magnet to sin practice and discussion and humor. But our Lord has called us to purity, and His light ignites thanksgiving, substance, fruitfulness, and wise living. (Romans 5:5)

How is the ‘now’ of His light manifest? When the Spirit probes thought, behavior, and speech, what’s revealed? Do my words and activities evidence worldly drunkenness, or full Spirit influence? Do I pretend at clean talk, and maybe even decline some offensive entertainment, but still coddle secret foolishness, or engage in prurient gossip or crude joking? From what do I need awaken to be filled with the light of Christ’s joy?

Lord, develop all that is good and right and true in me to reflect Your light and glory.

“Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions… And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.

“She said to the king, ‘The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe… until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard… Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel!’ Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.’” 1 Kings 10:1,3-7,9a

“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
    but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
    and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5

“[Thomas] said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.’ Eight days later,.. Jesus came and stood among them and… said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’  Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” John 20:24-29

Reputation begets inquisitiveness begets investigation. There may be fascination with something heard, but seldom genuine belief. Once individuals see with their own eyes, experiencing first-hand whatever the initial intrigue, no outside convincing is necessary for confidence in its truth.

In a day on nonstop media and a plethora of ‘thought leaders,’ our mental and spiritual muscles can quickly atrophy as we settle for and embrace as our own second-hand information. We search the internet for answers to significant questions and trust unidentified ‘experts,’ accept unproven hypotheses, take prescriptions without investigation, and mimic the proclamations of preferred gurus without prayer for spiritual wisdom. It’s vital we seek the Lord with our own eyes and minds for real understanding, faith and resolve. (Proverbs 2:1-12; John 4:42)

Do we spend our spiritual life at a distance from the Lord? Are we spiritually lazy, speeding through days as a drive-by devotee, but too busy to participate in the wide aspects of church and grappling with the word alongside others? Are our opinions and beliefs adopted from someone else’s, or do we dig into the Word to discover and experience the Lord Jesus firsthand, allowing Him to shape and renew our minds? (Romans 12:2)

Lord God, may I do all it takes to seek Your presence consistently, in order to know love You better, and so exalt You with my days. (1 Kings 10:24)

“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
    you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth…
Stir up your might
    and come to save us!

Restore us, O God;
    let your face shine, that we may be saved!

O Lord God of hosts,..
You have fed [your people] with the bread of tears
    and given them tears to drink in full measure…

Restore us, O God of hosts;
    let your face shine, that we may be saved!

You brought a vine out of Egypt;
    you drove out the nations and planted it.
You cleared the ground for it;
    it took deep root and filled the land.
The mountains were covered with its shade,
    the mighty cedars with its branches.
It sent out its branches to the sea
    and its shoots to the River.
Why then have you broken down its walls,
    so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
The boar from the forest ravages it,
    and all that move in the field feed on it.

Turn again, O God of hosts!
    Look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
    the stock that your right hand planted,
    and for the son whom you made strong for yourself…
But let your hand be on the man of your right hand,
    the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!
Then we shall not turn back from you;
    give us life, and we will call upon your name!

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!
    Let your face shine, that we may be saved!” Psalm 80:1-5,7-15,17-19

An attentive shepherd loves, cares for, and leads his sheep to sustenance and safety. He leads and lets wander, and rescues the erring and lost. He uses crook when needed, and binds the broken to his chest to heal and learn the language of his constant faithfulness. It is the shepherd’s nature to restore. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! (Psalm 23:1-6; John 10:11,14-16)

A shepherd hears and knows each sheep, and they recognize His voice. He discerns every cry, and ministers to confusion, treasures confession, responds to consternation, meets desperation. To this God we can call and seek His face, and know we are heard and that He responds according to His grace and goodness. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!

Are we languishing in discipline or vitality? God restores! Are we uncertain about the future? The shepherd knows! Do we struggle with bitterness or anger? He heals and transforms! Are we wrestling with regret or shame? He comforts and renews! Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!

“Restore in us, O God,
the splendor of your love;
renew your image in our hearts,
and all our sins remove.

O Spirit, wake in us
the wonder of your power;
from fruitless fear unfurl our lives
like springtime bud and flower.

Bring us, O Christ, to share
the fullness of your joy;
baptize us in the risen life
that death cannot destroy.

Three-personed God, fulfill
the promise of your grace,
that we, when all our searching ends,
may see you face to face.” ~Carl P. Daw (1944-)

Lord, revive my heart and restore me to full joy and gladness found in You alone.