Today is January 21.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 145.   
 

The Lord is good to all; 
    he has compassion on all he has made. 
10 All your works praise you, Lord; 
    your faithful people extol you. 
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom 
    and speak of your might, 
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts 
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 
    and your dominion endures through all generations. 
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises 
    and faithful in all he does. 
14 The Lord upholds all who fall 
    and lifts up all who are bowed down. 
 
  
I’m going to read this section of Psalm 145 again, from The Message translation: 
 

God is good to one and all; 
    everything he does is soaked through with grace. 
10-11 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; 
    your holy people bless you. 
They talk about the glories of your rule, 
    they exclaim over your splendor, 
12 Letting the world know of your power for good, 
    the lavish splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; 
    you never get voted out of office. 
God always does what he says, 
    and is gracious in everything he does. 
14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, 
    gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. 
   

Sometimes reading scripture in different translations can really help us hear it with new ears. This year, in your time of reading the Bible, you might consider doing that. In this text for example, I so love the Message’s translation of the lines: God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. Listen again to the first version and find a word or phrase that sticks out to you. 

Is there any area of your life where you feel ‘ready to quit’? Maybe school has just started up and you’re feeling down about it. Maybe an area of ministry feels dark and unsuccessful. Maybe a relationship with a parent is pulling you out of sorts. Could be your faith feels threadbare right now. Whatever it is, bring that area to the Lord. Speak honestly to Him about your weariness. And ask him to ‘give you a fresh start’, ‘to lift you up where you feel bowed down’.