Day 121

Judges 13:1–14:20; John 1:29-51; Psalm 102:1-28; Proverbs 14:15-16

AS WE EMBARK on a new month, and the changing of seasons comes into full bloom, we begin the fascinating story of Samson, one of Israel’s judges. As his story unfolds, we’ll get not only a glimpse into the volatile times the children of Israel were navigating but also a good, hard look into our own souls. Samson will teach us much in the days ahead.

In John’s Gospel, we found ourselves back at the Jordan River, as Jesus began His ministry and a loose band of brothers began to coalesce around Him. It is truly fascinating how Jesus chose His inner circle. There were no job interviews, no reviews of education and work experience. He wasn’t looking for the smartest or strongest people He could find. He didn’t pick anyone with marketing experience or hire a speechwriter. His invitation was accessible to all with an open heart and ears ready to hear. Jesus chose ill-equipped people who went on to change the world. And He still does. You are one of them.

Today in Psalm 102, the imagery of despair and struggle is exquisite, speaking of things we’ve all felt at one point or another:

My days disappear like smoke, and my bones burn like red-hot coals. My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite. . . . I am reduced to skin and bones. . . . I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof. . . . I eat ashes for food. My tears run down into my drink. . . . My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering away like grass.

As we ponder the plight of the writer, we may realize that we’ve experienced these seasons as well. If we choose to stay in that place of despair, depression and hopelessness will obviously soon follow. But that’s not where the psalmist stayed:

Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the LORD. Tell them the LORD looked down from his heavenly sanctuary. He looked down to earth from heaven to hear the groans of the prisoners, to release those condemned to die.

Amid suffering, the psalmist found hope. But in that hope, he looked forward to future generations. This psalm was certainly a cry of the heart, but it was written for you. You are a part of those “future generations.” The psalmist told us that God rescued him, and his witness is calling to us across time so that we might remember. Let’s take comfort in knowing that the Scriptures are speaking directly to us today with hope. We are God’s children, and we “will thrive in [His] presence” (Psalm 102:28).

MEDITATION:

You are always the same; you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children’s children will thrive in your presence.