1 Peter 1:3-9

1 Peter 1:3-9 

English Standard Version 

  Our hope in Christ isn't simply static.  It's a living hope, which means that it's resilient.  No matter what happens in the world, our hope doesn't fall down in defeat -- it's alive, and it's adapting.  The despair you may face?  Our hope can adapt to that.  The fears you have in the world?  Our hope can show strength in the face of these.  

  Peter reminds the exiles that their inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.  No matter what the world threatens, the inheritance we have with Christ cannot be stolen away, even in the face of the gravest threats.  We often shrink back in fear, uncertain of what to do next.  In those moments, may we take a deep, deep breath and remember that we are guarded by God's power.

1 Peter 1:1-2

1 Peter 1:1-2

English Standard Version 

  Here we have Peter, writing to a number of exiles, spread across a region.  Imagine all these exiles have going through their minds,  everything they have going on in their lives... and the most important thing that Peter can remind them of is that they are the elect who have been sprinkled with the blood of Christ.  May the grace and peace of God fill them.

  In the same way, we as a country have a lot going on, and the people are very divided.  There will be countless emotions as America goes to the polls today.  People will be searching for their true identity.  In these times, may we remember that above all else, we have been sprinkled with the blood of Christ, claimed in the waters of baptism, and before anything else in the world, we belong to Christ.

Psalm 18:31-35

Psalm 18:31-35 

English Standard Version 

  The Psalmist gives us an image of God as protector, setting our feet secure on the heights, and teacher as well -- God prepares us and sends us out into the world to serve.  We don't go on our own, because it's God who supports us and God who protects us and God who enables us to take the next step.  

  So the question for each of us, the question for all of us -- do we make time to train with God?  Are we listening for the voice and guidance of God?  Are we intentional about thinking of building ourselves, of allowing God to guide as we grow?  I don't think this happens by accident, but rather by intent.  When we focus and dedicate ourselves to learn from God and grow in discipleship, then we draw closer to God and feel both the security and the sending of God.

Psalm 18:25-30

Psalm 18:25-30 

English Standard Version

  When I read this Psalm, which is my favorite, I always get pumped up.  I understand the Psalmist's words here -- with God, we can jump over walls and run against impossible odds.  We're so excited about who God is and what God is doing that it energizes our very souls.  God is perfect and true, and God opts to be for us.  God uses God's power and God's word to pave a path forward for us through opposition and through death.  There was a dead end, but God brought life, and it's all because God is pure love and grace.  None of it is deserved, and all of it is gift.  

  May we find our refuge in God, day after day after day, and let that powerful love be a shield around our weary and embattled souls.