August 16, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 10 - Psalm 55:1, 12-14, 16; antiphon: Psalm 55:22

Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 6:1-19; 1 Corinthians 9:1-23

“Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!” (Psalm 55:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Isn’t it a gift? In the lowest moments we have, the hardest experiences we struggle through, the long nights, and tear-stained memories - we get to cry out to God.

I’ll be honest, living through hurt, trauma, loss, brokenness, and betrayal are not situations I have usually considered ‘gifts’ while going through them. Sin breaks all that God calls good. And yet, there is hope in those broken moments. 

Suffering is a mark of a Christian life. Struggling with sin, living life with and among sinners, and feeling wholly inadequate with your own shortcomings are daily difficulties; yet, suffering is a reality of life and a gift. You are never alone in those moments. In your Baptism, you are given the Holy Spirit, who creates faith in you to cling to the hope we have in Jesus. Indeed, Jesus became man and came into the mess and death of this sinful world and defeated our enemies for us. In the prayer that Jesus teaches us, we are taught to come to Him, to be reminded of all that God has done for us, and to ask for what we need—not because God isn’t sure or doesn’t remember, but so we can be refocused on the Giver of all that we need. Indeed, our lives are marred with sin, but we are not without hope. 

In moments of great pain and weakness, cry out to God. Ask for His attention and His mercy; be reminded and reassured that He is the One Who created you, redeemed you, sustains you, and is with you even now. Turn to God in the moments of disorder and pain; cling to and remember the promises that He has made. Go to the Divine Service, confess your sins and brokenness, and receive Absolution. Know that your guilt and shame are gone. Hear God’s Word proclaimed and preached to you. Receive Jesus’ Body and Blood in your mouth. Make the sign of the cross. Jesus’ mercy is for you. He hears your cries, He counts your tears, He holds you within His hand. 

It is a gift to cry out for mercy and know that He Who is faithful will continue to give it. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Evening and morning, Sunset and dawning, Wealth, peace, and gladness, Comfort in sadness: These are Thy works; all the glory be Thine! Times without number, Awake or in slumber, Thine eye observes us, From danger preserves us, Causing Thy mercy upon us to shine. (LSB 726:1)

Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

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