WEDNESDAY

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 37:23-26; Psalm 23; Isaiah 55:1-2; Psalm 14:1-7 

As we reflect this week on the way that God provides, we do so in the context of living in a world that has been impacted by evil, resulting in things not being fairly or justly shared. How do we navigate living in a world in which God can and does provide, and yet we are surrounded by the reality that many people do not experience that provision? Amazing things can be seen and experienced by those who follow God’s lead in loving God and loving others well. And yet at other times, we can feel discouraged and disheartened when the forces of injustice or cruelty work against this and leave so many without what they need to flourish. God’s kingdom is present, but it is in the midst of a world that often resists and rejects it, leaving people suffering from consequences outside of their control. We live in that “already, but not yet” space in which, with the Psalmist, we may find ourselves singing songs with mixed and contrasting sentiments as we seek to live and share the life that God has shared with us in the midst of a world that pushes back against it. Our Scripture passages today are a few excerpts from many of those songs we find ourselves singing. Some remind us of God’s faithfulness and provision, and some recognize the ongoing impact of evil on our world and our need to resist it. As you take a few moments today to reflect on these selections from the Psalms, here are a few additional questions:

• Which of these do you resonate with the most? Why do you think you are drawn to the ones you were?

• In what ways do you experience the tension between God’s willingness to provide for us and the reality that some people (even those who follow Jesus) are often impacted by unfairness and injustice?

• In what ways can we know that, in the ways that matter the most, God does provide, even when we are experiencing the destructive impact of sin in our lives? (To what extent can you experience anointing and a table set for you even in dark valleys and the presence of your enemies described in Psalm 23?)

• In what ways have you experienced God’s presence and care even during times when things were not going well?

• Are there other psalms that come to mind that capture a bit of your own experience, or that of those close to you?

• What would you like to explore further, or what other questions come to mind?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what comes to mind as you reflect on these passages and questions.