Words from the Weary Wilderness - Lenten Journey Second Sunday
posted on March 06
The Second Sunday in Lent - Sunday, March 13
Our Second Little Easter
The Sundays of Lent are not considered in the count of the season’s 40 days. Sundays are for celebrating the resurrection on each phase of life’s journey. During Lent we have several “Little Easters” to refresh us along our way. We will read the Psalm appointed for each Sunday in Lent in 2022.
Read: Psalm 27
Triumphant Song of Confidence
Of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me
to devour my flesh—
my adversaries and foes—
they shall stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.
4 One thing I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.
6 Now my head is lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud,
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, do I seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me.
Do not turn your servant away in anger,
you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
10 If my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will take me up.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they are breathing out violence.
13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
Today’s Word from the Weary Wilderness: Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. (Psalm 27:11)
Reflection: Our Little Easters reveal themes of safety and steadiness. God will protect us “under the cover of his tent”, and set our feet on “a level path” so we can move safely to the next places on life’s journey. Perhaps you have done some hiking, and you know what a blessing a level crossing can be. There is a best path, and usually a much harder path. In the wilderness, there are lots of places to slip and fall, and shortcuts are usually not best in the long run. Consider a time when you have taken a misstep or been burned by a shortcut. Reflect on it, even if it is painful. What have you learned? How has your journey been different since? Thank God for ways God provides a better path, especially when one of our enemies is The Enemy.
Prayer: God of the Wilderness, thank you for this little Easter on our long journey. We need to be assured of your protection and given your confidence. The Enemy seeks to divide us, and lead us on paths that do not lead to peace with one another or the transformation of society. Our heads are lifted up today to see you, so let us see your abundant love and goodness “in the land of the living.” In the wilderness you have given us an opportunity to see you at work. Don’t let anyone misguide us along the way. Amen.
Blessings of Peace and Health,
Bev
Rev. Beverly B. Coppley
District Superintendent
& Chief Missional Strategist
