November 25

Daniel 1:1-2:23; 1 Peter 3:8-4:6; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 28:14

I mentioned this briefly in my post on 5/27, but the Thanksgiving Eve service at our church made me think of it again.  We did a responsive reading of portions of Psalm 136, with the congregation repeating, "His love endures forever."  When I read these words in Psalm 119, I hear the same echo.  Just as Israel chose to declare God's love, so we, too, can choose to proclaim: "You are good, and what you do is good."  Thanksgiving may have been bittersweet this year (or even just bitter), but we can still speak this truth.

Though the diagnosis came back as cancer,
        You are good, and what you do is good.
As I live with the knowledge of betrayal in my marriage,
        You are good, and what you do is good.
When countries revolt and terror lurks,
        You are good, and what you do is good.
My children are rebellious and foolish, but
        You are good, and what you do is good.
I am alone and old and unwanted, yet
        You are good, and what you do is good.
The world seems to spin out of control;
        You are good, and what you do is good.
My future is uncertain and unknown;
        You are good, and what you do is good.
Friends and family are aging and dying; even so
        You are good, and what you do is good.
When deeply held dreams and hopes remain unfulfilled,
        You are good, and what you do is good.
When the phone doesn't ring,
    the bills mount up,
        the pregnancy test is negative,
            the company downsizes,
You are good, and what do you is good.

Thank you, Lord.

- Sarah Marsh

How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click here to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.