Daily Devotion – November 24, 2021 – The Rev. Karen Bockelman

Psalm 25:1-10 (NRSV)

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.

Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

Devotion

The turning of the calendar year is often marked by reflection on what has been and resolve for a new future. As the church year turns from last days to the anticipated coming of God among God’s people the psalmist reminds us that nothing—past, present, or future—is beyond our soul’s lifting up. We put our trust in the gracious and merciful God of our salvation, a God of compassion, steadfast love, and faithfulness. We entrust to God our acknowledgment of past transgressions and personal sins, our desire for the honor due the righteous rather than the shame due the treacherous. We can be honest about our failings. We can resolve, in this new year, to seek God’s guidance through whatever is to come, to be shown God’s ways, taught God’s path of justice, and to learn how to live in relationship with God and with one another.

Prayer

God of our salvation, hear the cries of our souls and guide us into this new year with your grace and mercy. Amen.