Today's Scripture:

Psalm 31:9-16 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends— those who see me on the street flee from me. I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life. But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
These verses remind me that God is there for me even though I sometimes choose to ignore Him. God delivered me from the isolation I had chosen, and He blesses me even when I put Him on hold.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
For most of my life, I have not been distressed but blessed beyond measure. I know that my manifold blessings are a gift from God because I have not and cannot earn them. Being blessed means that I can experience the full impact of God’s presence in my life. His presence provides me a deep, joy-filled commitment that cannot be shaken by poverty, famine, persecution, war, or any other trial or tragedy I might face in this life. This passage about distress, sorrow, grief, and anguish recalls an event early after my valuable military experience. I was well on my way in my new corporate career. I was on the shortlist and fast track for promotions and salary increases. Riding high, I was unexpectedly called into my manager’s office and told, “Your career is not as bright this afternoon as it was this morning.” I was stunned, angry, and terrified. Looking back, I believe God used this incident to focus my God-given skills on spiritual activities rather than material issues that had become the focal point of my life. When I surrendered my life to Him, I was saved by His face shining on me. God’s blessing encourages me to constantly rely on Him for guidance moment to moment and day after day.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
Daily and constantly, I must make the effort and take the time to spend quality time with God. I can always trust Him. He always delivers me. I am constantly covered with His unfailing love, and I am always and forever blessed beyond measure.

About Morris Harper:
Married to Nancy for 61 years, but that’s not long enough. Two married sons with four grandchildren. Real Estate Investor.
Joined Grace in 1986. Nancy has taught an equipping hour class and has been a deacon. I continue to teach in the Voyagers Class. I was elected an elder in 2013 and I am currently on Session. In June 2025, I will make my 26th short-term mission trip to Mongolia with Christian Veterinary Mission.