Great Plains Daily Devotional for 10/24/2020

Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn us back to dust,
    and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”
For a thousand years in your sight
    are like yesterday when it is past,
    or like a watch in the night.

You sweep them away; they are like a dream,
    like grass that is renewed in the morning;
in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
    in the evening it fades and withers.

It has been a most difficult year for all our world, and I was touched by this reading from Psalm 90 as I read through the lectionary selections.  My eyes kept jumping to the verses that read, “You turn us back to dust, and say, ‘Turn back, you mortals.”  “Sweep them away; they are like a dream… in the evening it fades and withers.”

I find comfort in knowing I am not alone.  Millions of people through thousands of years, like me, have the same inclination to complain about current conditions, while around me, manna is fluttering down, water is flowing out of rocks, and quail are running around my ankles.

As a selfish and stiff-necked people, (I love using words from scripture), we are aghast and insulted that anyone or anything would dare to upset our daily routine!  Indeed, how are we to wear our fall fashions with a pink and blue mask left from the summer on our faces?

And yet, as we read again the words, we can slide back into the comfort of a loving God.  “Lord, you have been our dwelling place for all generations.  You satisfy us with your steadfast love, so that we might rejoice and be glad.” Close your eyes and lean into God’s embrace. I feel my shoulders relax and my spirit soar as prayers and songs of thanksgiving emerge as my focus narrows on the verses of blessings. 

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases…”  “You have may me glad, you have made me glad.  I will rejoice for you have made me glad.”  Indeed, the favor of the Lord is upon us.  God has not moved from our homes or removed the Holy Spirit from our lives.  Settle back, dear friends, into the strength and joy of our God. 

Prayer for Reflection

Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm 99
1 Thesselonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22