Daily Devotion – December 31, 2021 – The Rev. Gary Andersen

Psalm 147:12-20 (NRSV)

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!

For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you.

He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat.

He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.

He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes.

He hurls down hail like crumbs- who can stand before his cold?

He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.

He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel.

He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the Lord!

Devotion

A man in the last congregation I served had a terrible motorcycle accident which very nearly took his life. Early on, his family created a special t-shirt available to any who wanted one. The front read “He Heals,” while the back claimed the promise of Psalm 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.” After many weeks, with his wife and family surrounding him constantly, he regained consciousness. Eventually he was able to return home to continue the long road of recovery. The entire community was grateful for his return to health. There are many causes for broken heartedness—accidents, severed relationships, sins, failures, losses of every kind. God still heals, though not always physically. He strengthens, blesses, and grants peace. God’s creative word which brought everything into existence continues to sustain both creation and creature. And by God’s mercy the same word became incarnate, the living Word offering abundant life for all and comfort in every distress. I still have my t-shirt. God heals, indeed.

Prayer

Praise to you, O Lord, for your mercies are great. Though our circumstances may be less than we desire, you accompany us and make us whole. Help us trust your healing power. Amen.