Lenten Devotional by Stephany Duplessis
March 13, 2017
“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and Thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6-7)
As I sit and watch the news, I am constantly reminded of the negativity of the world brought on by negative, fearful thoughts and beliefs. I strongly believe a lot of the problems of the world are brought upon ourselves because of how we think and react to things we are unfamiliar with.
Somehow the understanding of if someone doesn’t look or dress like me or love who I love, he or she is dangerous or because they don’t believe in what and who I believe in they are the enemy. The portrayal of women and children homeless, crying, and starving, as they are being pushed away from their home; the stories of young men and women taking their own life because of the fears of rejection and hopelessness; wars and famines across the world have put a dark cloud around us.
The problems of this world are great, painful and many are self-inflicted and I must confess I have been a part of the problem. For years, I’ve allowed myself to swallow up the pain and negativity of the world allowing it to overtake my spirit at times. Allowing the pains and hate of the world to block the light from God’s word.
Our Lenten theme this year is “Sanctuary: Safe Space; Brave Space” couldn’t have come at a more dire time where both a safe and brave place is needed. We as Christians, as humans, have the responsibility of being our brother’s/sister’s keeper. We must provide a safe place where unconditional love and hope can flow through so they can know God is still here and hope is not lost. We must be brave in the face of hate and injustice. We must be protective and welcoming in our church, faith, and hearts.
Dear Heavenly Father, I go before you today completely trusting in your goodness and mercy. I appeal to your loving Spirit to watch over our brothers and sisters. I praise you for their lives and their souls. Thank you for their presence in our lives. Look upon them with your tenderness and grace. If they hurt- bring them healing, if they’re afraid- give them courage. If they have fallen, lift them up in forgiveness. And most of all, dear Lord let them know they are loved. Let them know we love them. Let them know you love them. Let the love heal the deepest wounds and give them confidence knowing that they are your children. Heavenly Father, embrace their hearts and bless them Lord. Amen!