Genesis 39:1-23
Psalms 19, 46, 50, 60
1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15
Mark 2:1-12
"God is our refuge and strength." --Psalm 46:1
"Be still and know that I am God." --Psalm 46:10
"And call on me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you,
and you will honor me." --Psalm 50:15
"The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered." --Genesis 39:2
The readings for today talk about trusting God in all things, in casting aside our doubts about His place in our lives. The reading from Genesis talks about Joseph being sold into slavery and, subsequently, thrown into prison; Joseph didn't wish to be put in those circumstances but God used those circumstances for His purpose. Because he put away his doubt, God worked through Joseph for His people. How often do we try to determine what we're supposed to do in a situation instead of letting God guide us through it?
I am particularly struck by the verse -- "Be still and know that I am God" from Psalm 46. Can we be still enough to know God? It's not an easy thing to do things in God's time. Lent is the season for us to slow down and find God in our lives, reassess where we're going and how to get there; that's its purpose on the church calendar. Can we be truly still, stop the voices in our heads, and listen to God instead? And for how long?
Mary D Crowe