Psalm 119:137-144

You are righteous, O Lord, and your judgments are right.
You have appointed your decrees in righteousness and in all faithfulness.
My zeal consumes me because my foes forget your words.
Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.
I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is the truth.
Trouble and anguish have come upon me, but your commandments are my delight.
Your decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.

The changing weather this couple of weeks reminds us that we are entering into the winter season and the end of the year. Looking back to this year so far, we are reminded of what we have done. We had the special session of General Conference, Lenten season, annual conference, summer outreach activities, vacations, and all other things. Likewise, we have done many activities and made a lot of memories.

There were exciting and joyful moments while we experienced unexpected disappointment. But we still know that we are walking in the providence of God.

At times, things go in an unexpected way. In those situations, we can remember that the promise of God is always kept, no matter what. In my childhood, praying to God was like talking to the genie of the magic lamp. Therefore, I felt like nobody could interrupt me because God would listen and answer to my prayer. However, later, I realized that praying is not just asking something to God but also listening to His words and will.

Even when I just began my ministry three years ago, I was passionate. I had a list of things to do in the ministry. I prayed, “God, I will do something great for you so you should help me!” But soon, God reminded me that doing ministry is not doing my own work but participating in God’s work. As we are doing God’s work, as we are living as the disciples of Jesus, things may go in a different direction than we planned. But God’s word is always right, and God is always righteous. Let us ask the help of the Holy Spirit that we may not turn aside to the right or to the left but press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus!

Prayer for Reflection

Joel 2:23-32
Psalm 65
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14