Today is July 30.


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 37.  
 
 
      The wicked plot against the righteous  
         and gnash their teeth at them;  
      but the Lord laughs at the wicked,  
         for he knows their day is coming.  
       The wicked draw the sword  
         and bend the bow  
         to bring down the poor and needy,  
         to slay those whose ways are upright.  
      But their swords will pierce their own hearts,  
         and their bows will be broken.  
       Better the little that the righteous have  
         than the wealth of many wicked;  
      for the power of the wicked will be broken,  
         but the LORD upholds the righteous.  
  
      The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,  
         and their inheritance will endure forever.  
      In times of disaster they will not wither;  
         in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.  
       But the wicked will perish:  
         Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,  
         they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.  
       The wicked borrow and do not repay,  
         but the righteous give generously;  
      those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,  
         but those he curses will be destroyed. 
  
  
The imagery in this psalm evokes a contrast and reflection. On one side, we see the wicked, with their plots and weapons aimed at the righteous. It's a scene of turmoil and conflict, where the pursuit of earthly gain leads to a cycle of violence and destruction.  
 
Then, the psalmist paints a striking picture of the Lord's response - laughter. This divine laughter carries profound meaning; it's not a cruel or mocking laughter but one of assurance and sovereignty. It signifies God's unwavering knowledge of the ultimate outcome, where justice and righteousness prevail. 
Do you find yourself caught up in the pursuits of this world, chasing after wealth, power, or recognition? Listen again for the psalmists description of the Lord’s blessing over those who seek him. 
   
The Old Testament often uses the language of blessings and curses. Life and death. God calls us, invites us, to live a life full of His blessing, His generosity, His inheritance, His plenty. Why do you think it is often so easy to get caught up in the way of the world, when the way of the Lord is so good? End your time of prayer today asking God to redirect your eyes to His kingdom, to His goodness, and to His way.

Music: Let Your Glory Fall - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)