SCRIPTURE: When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:19 ESV
THOUGHT: As a teen, I competed twice in our county beauty pageant. Now that took some hutzpah. I never really expected to win, competing with the likes of blond, vivacious, cheerleader Vickie and others like her, but there I was, swimsuit, evening gown, guitar, and determination. I coached myself to not show disappointment when the girls were called forward to get their trophies and crown – but then I was called too and named “Miss Congeniality” by my peers. It was a consolation prize to be sure, yet two years in a row the title was mine. Over the years, I’ve gotten over some of my initial disappointment at “loosing.” After all, having friends is pretty important, even if you don’t have blond hair.
That’s a goofy way to say that consolations don’t always come the way we expect. Rather than big and glamorous, they’re often small and we might disdain or even overlook them if we’re not careful. God knows the territory of our hearts. He knows what will bring cheer as we face challenges and losses. He knows what word to speak when our hearts are weighed down with care but our ears are tuned to him. And sometimes it’s only a word or two, yet they settle in our hearts and minds, and like a beacon, guide us back to the lighthouse again and again.
If you need a word or two like that, some consolation for your soul, make some time to listen today. In a world colliding with itself, the consolation prize of God is worth accepting.
PRAYER: Oh God, speak to our hearts today as only you can. Even a word from your mouth is life-giving, bringing consolation and cheer when we are weighed down with care.
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