Scripture for Today:  Psalm 42:11 “Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”

I always thought that frown lines would be those around the mouth.  But apparently, they are all over a face.  I guess wrinkles from surprise or from concentration must qualify too.  As annoying as these lines can feel on a face, it has got to be better than a face so tight with face lifting that there is no expression at all!

It is true that one’s face can be indicative of what kind of life one has led.  There is the hard working laborer exposed to too much sun.  There is the hard drinking man whose face betrays his dependance.  There is the life-long smoker whose skin reveals their habit.  And there are those who have lived through great tragedy and rarely smile.

Our verse for today is a prayer.  David (thought to be the author) addresses his own soul and the despair he feels.  He had plenty of reason to have a soul disturbed within him.  He was under constant attack from his enemies.  Rather than focusing on his circumstances or giving in to despair, the psalmist reminds himself of the hope he has in God.  Because of that hope, he could look forward to a future where praise for God would come again to his lips.

I can almost see David’s face clearing as he reaffirms his hope.  Hope shows on a face.  Eyes widen with anticipation.  Smiles appear when thinking of His goodness and faithfulness.  Hoping in God changes and uplifts one’s countenance.

Lord, my hope is in You alone.  May this hope be visible on my face today!

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 2:12-13 “Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenant of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

We visited this ancient Roman aqueduct in the south of France.  It is so impressive, especially given it was built in the 1st century AD!  Pont du Gard is one of the five top tourists attractions in France.  This bridge near Nîmes is 31 miles long and has three tiers of arches standing 160 feet high.

During the height of the Roman Empire, this aqueduct brought over 200 million liters of water a day to the fountains, baths, and homes of the citizens of Nîmes.  After the empire fell, it was used as a toll bridge, bringing together communities on both sides of the Gardon River.

Without a bridge there is separation and exclusion.  But a bridge brings near what was far away.  Our verse for today uses these same words when describing our condition before Christ.  As those outside of the covenant made with Israel, we were once strangers, separated and excluded.  As such, we were without God and so without hope as well.  Christ’s coming and sacrifice changed everything!  His cleansing blood made a way to approach Him.

Jesus is that bridge bringing me near.  Not only does He bridge the gap, but He is the living water that the aqueduct provides!  He has provided the only Way.  The distance between us was too far and impossible for me to cross on my own.

If there had been no Bridge I would still be without God and without hope.  Thank you, Lord, that You have brought me near.

Scripture for Today:  Psalms 50:8-10 “I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before Me.  I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is Mine and the cattle on a thousand hills.”

I remember long road trips with my family when I was young.  Staving off boredom was often an issue.  To help, every time we passed a herd of cows, my Mother would ask, “Do you see the purple cow?”  And being my gullible self I would always carefully look!  I must have done the same thing when our kids were small, as they were pleasantly surprised to see a purple cow on a German brand of chocolate!

The song lyrics,”He owns the cattle on a thousand hills,” probably comes from our verse today.  The world is His and all that is in it.  The context of our verse speaks of sacrifice.  There was the mistaken notion that God was somehow dependent on them.  The sacrifices were not for God’s benefit but for the one worshiping Him.  All creation belongs to Him!

The really exciting truth here is that as God’s children we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ!  (Rom.8:17)  In a sense, all that belongs to Him is part of my inheritance!  I need to remember that when I am feeling particularly vulnerable to financial pressures.  It is helpful to remember this promise when I fall into the trap of comparing my “stuff” with that of someone else.

I have an incredible future ahead of me!  I will have a share in everything He owns, from the smallest piece of gold dust to the most magnificent street of gold!  I serve a wonderful generous God!