Great Plains Daily Devotional for 2/8/2020

Psalm 138 

Of David.

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
    before the gods I sing your praise;
I bow down toward your holy temple
    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness;
    for you have exalted your name and your word
    above everything.
On the day I called, you answered me,
    you increased my strength of soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord,
    for they have heard the words of your mouth.
They shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    for great is the glory of the Lord.
For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly;
    but the haughty he perceives from far away.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
    and your right hand delivers me.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Even though I was expecting it, I was filled with fear when the doctor told me I needed surgery on my shoulder. While it may seem minor to those who have faced far worse medical news, for me it was a frightful new experience. You see, I have never had to deal with my own need for a surgical procedure. I imagined all kinds of things happening- none of them good. I was afraid I would have a heart attack or a stroke during the operation and wake up in Intensive Care in the hospital or worse. I started trying to do a Medical Power of Attorney online and raised the anxiety level of my children by making sure they knew where things were just in case. I was getting my ducks in a row. I was literally making myself sick with worry.

A few days before surgery, I decided to sit down and play my piano, since I was sure I would not be able to for months. As I played the songs we used in worship last summer at Institute High School Youth Camp, the tears began to flow and peace flooded my soul. I had forgotten whose hand held me and that, no matter what happened, God would be there with me.

We all have times we forget that God holds us in His hand and nothing can separate us. When that time comes for you, I hope you have music, scripture, friends- something or someone to remind you that we have an awesome God who holds us in the palm of His hand.

--Mary Brooks
Five Rivers Lay Servant Ministries Director
Lyndon UMC

Prayer for Reflection