Psalm_25
Psalm 25:3, 153 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame,…15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.ObservationSuch an expressive book – David pouring out his heart, to and about God. UnderstandingAbout half of this book tugged on my heart but as I whittled it down, these two stood out most. 3 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame,…I don’t know about you but lately it feels there’s been more darkness. Holidays, in general, can be hard or busy or stressful…or all of the above. But feeling the weight of the most recent tragedies – both of the recent shooting and the fires – my heart has been especially heavy for those directly impacted as we quickly approach Thanksgiving and Christmas. And, in these moments, it can feel foolish or insensitive to be hopeful; but for now, I’ll focus on the “foolish.” I think the reason this verse stood out to me is – sometimes known as a “ray of sunshine” (because of my name and my typically positive outlook), I actually have been shamed for my hope…but as I sat with this verse, I recognized its truth. Even when people have tried to shame or shut down my hope, I was never put to shame. “Put someone to shame” means to “embarrass someone; to make someone ashamed.” Despite best efforts, their attempts could not embarrass me or make me ashamed…but when I allowed them to speak, made space for their feelings, it opened my heart to (usually) their grief, hurt, insecurities, their search for something REAL AND TRUE AND DEPENDABLE…and, guess what. God is all of those things. God is the answer, the comfort, the healer, the strength. So, being the bearers of light, we must remain hopeful and share that hope because, well, people need it. 15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.This to me was just a quick reminder to look up. When we are stuck, we often look at what we feel has us stuck; so, in this case, ensnared feet…but that takes our eyes off of the path, off the solutions that may be all around us, off the one who called us. So…may my eyes be ever on the Lord. Life ApplicationShine bright and look up!God, I am grateful for who you’ve called me to be, how you’ve gifted me, where you’ve placed me…I’m grateful for it all. May I recognize the opportunity that surrounds to shine bright, to maintain and give hope, to be a conduit of your love, a helper to those in need. But, I know all of that comes from staying close to the source – seeking you and being filled to overflowing by you so that I can be used by you. Fill me up today. Redirect my heart, my eyes to you…then give me your heart for those around me. Use me. In your name, I pray. Amen.-ReiTo check out the discussion or to join in click here.