Today's Lectionary Text2 Chronicles 34:2He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.  Today's Devotional
Wow, just wow! Really! Am I reading this correct? An 8-year-old – King? And that he did what was right in the Lord’s eyes … and on top of that, 8 years later after becoming King, our scripture says that while he was just a boy, he began to seek the God of his ancestor David. I love that the scripture points out that while he was a boy, he began to seek God. A lot of times in our world, we think that God only speaks to adults. Adults are the wise ones, they have the reasoning, understanding, they know scripture, so by all means that is who God speaks to. Yes, God does speak to adults and youth and young adults, and it’s great to know that our God speaks intergenerationally – it doesn’t matter what age we are!
We adults fail to realize that God speaks to our children. If we would just sit at their feet, put aside our adultness and really listen to them, we would benefit. Their innocence is so pure, and the ways of adultness has not rose colored their outlook on things. Children trust and believe because they have not reached the age where we adults attempt to teach them other things about God. I remember being taught how to talk to God: hands folded, eyes closed, then you prayed a certain way. In our house it was first you thank God, then you confessed all your sins, then you prayed for other people, then you prayed for yourself. Those times of seeking and talking to God seem staged to me. The experiences that taught me more about who God is are the ones that no formed prayer was said, no ritual words were spoken. One I will share: our house was not a real Christian home, we played the game, we went to church (all the time), yet there were dark times. Times that I still to this day call, “dark times of the soul.” On one such night I was scared, covers over my head, and I was turned over on one of my sides with my arm hanging off the bed. I remember saying “God if you are there, let me know.” I sensed a presence, and a slight, yet cupped hand squeezing my hand. I was a child, and knew God was very real in that moment and forever. -Rev. Hollie Tapley
Disaster Response Coordinator Prayer for ReflectionCreator God, teach us to listen to You with the innocence of a child. May we seek You as Josiah did. May we be bold enough to tear down idols and other images not pleasing and glorifying You. May stop and sit at the feet of children, and once again, hear Your voice speaking to us. Amen.
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