16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. Lord, you are good and forgiving.
Written by Rebekah Hickl
There is lots of comfort to be found in this psalm, and I am in need of being reminded of these truths regularly. I can easily find myself in a place where I revert to trying to earn God’s love; by trying to do all the right things, say the right things, act the right way. Yet, surprise-surprise, when I do I end up missing the point - God is love, He is good and He is trustworthy. He has already given himself to us, as a free gift, because that is what He has wanted to gift us always.
I have recently found myself in a season where I am waiting on answers to certain prayers. The wait has felt deep and the temptation to wonder if God will come though is real. Yet as I ponder this psalm, it reminds me of all I need to know. God is faithful to his people. He is full of kindness to all who call. He hears and attends to the sound of our pleading.
Our prayers do not go unnoticed, even if they are not answered when, or in the ways, we would like. He is a God who is close. He is great and does wondrous deeds. How wondrous the cross, even in the messy and ugly and seemingly opposite of so many hopes and dreams and plans. Even then, when it seems like God is not close, could not be close, could not be allowing such a thing to happen; even then do the eyes of faith give us a gift to see that this is the greatest gift possible - Christ has given himself wholly to us.
’All the nations you have made shall come to worship you”. My response can only be one of worship. Within the mystery of the cross, of death that can bring life, if I have the courage to face it, is all I need. And my only response can be one of worship.
Can you list three ways God has been good to you? Recently or in the past?
What is one act of worship you can do today in thankfulness to God for his goodness?
Rebekah Hickl is a daughter, sister, bride, and mother. She loves walking in the woods, dancing in the kitchen, and having conversations over meals or coffee. Originally from the UK, she currently lives in Dallas, TX.
Pray with today’s psalm.