Today is January 27th   
  
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
  
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 71, The Message Version 
  
You got me when I was an unformed youth, 
     God, and taught me everything I know. 
Now I’m telling the world your wonders; 
     I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray. 
God, don’t walk off and leave me 
     until I get out the news 
Of your strong right arm to this world, 
     news of your power to the world yet to come, 
Your famous and righteous 
     ways, O God. 
God, you’ve done it all! 
     Who is quite like you? 
You, who made me stare trouble in the face, 
     Turn me around; 
Now let me look life in the face. 
     I’ve been to the bottom; 
Bring me up, streaming with honors; 
     turn to me, be tender to me, 
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you 
     to the tune of your faithfulness, God. 
I’ll make music for you on a harp, 
     Holy One of Israel. 
  
The Psalmist considers his own life with God: from his youth to the end of his life… in times of trouble and in times of honor. Take a moment to orient yourself today: how old are you? How long have you been following the Lord? Do you feel like you are ‘staring trouble in the face’, or ‘streaming with honors’, or somewhere in between? 
  
Reading the Psalms helps us to remember that God is near to us in every season of life: young or old; troubled or encouraged; full of doubt, or full of faith. As you hear the passage read again… listen for a word or phrase that helps give words to the season you find yourself in today. Remind yourself that even now, God is with you.  
  
You got me when I was an unformed youth, 
     God, and taught me everything I know. 
Now I’m telling the world your wonders; 
     I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray. 
God, don’t walk off and leave me 
     until I get out the news 
Of your strong right arm to this world, 
     news of your power to the world yet to come, 
Your famous and righteous 
     ways, O God. 
God, you’ve done it all! 
     Who is quite like you? 
You, who made me stare trouble in the face, 
     Turn me around; 
Now let me look life in the face. 
     I’ve been to the bottom; 
Bring me up, streaming with honors; 
     turn to me, be tender to me, 
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you 
     to the tune of your faithfulness, God. 
I’ll make music for you on a harp, 
     Holy One of Israel. 
  
The Psalmists are often turning their attention from ‘looking at trouble’ to ‘looking at life’. The Biblical writers don’t deny trouble, darkness doubt, or pain… but, at the same time, they show us how to broaden our attention to include the faithfulness of God, and to the news of His power to save. Is there a situation in your life where you are forgetting to turn your eyes to God’s faithfulness? As we end, remember a time where you’ve seen God’s provision in a time of trouble. Ask God to help you keep your eyes turned toward Him. 
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
  
Music: Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship/Steve Jones Invitacion Fountain (feat. Steve Jones) (Live)