God is on the ready
 

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

I am a world-class complainer. I can vent, steam and stew with the best of them. When done unconstructively, my complaining ways beget more complaining and lead to a miserable existence in which I am, as Martin Luther deemed it, "turned inward on myself." And don't you know I'll try to drag you down with me!

The Psalmist reminds us that even despite ourselves, God's love is persistent—it's steadfast. When I am so caught up in my own sin-sick ways, God is on the ready to heal me and show me the life abundant that's been in front of my stubborn, complaining nose the whole time.

I give thanks to you, Lord, for pulling me outside of myself to see that through you there is life. Help me love in a way that begets more love. Help me live in a way that serves as a visible sign of your steadfast love to others. Amen.

Sarah Bane

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (NRSV)

1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
17 Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
18 they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress;
20 he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction.
21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
22 And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.