Listen:
“O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:29)
Reflect:
David calls on all who know the Lord and those who fear Him to join in this psalm of gratitude. During this lenten period of forty days, we reflect on the preparations (prayer and fasting) and the events that lead to the Easter week known as the Holy week of the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to the Lord for his steadfast love that endures forever.
As we do so, let us remember those in need, both spiritually and physically. There are those who have as yet not met Jesus Christ and accepted him as their personal saviour. We need to reach out to them and share with them the good news of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that through this loving act of God, they too can find eternal life as spoken in John 3:16.
Let us also remember and reach out to those in need of food, healing, school fees for their children, emotional support for those who are broken down or have lost a loved one, or facing one challenge or another. Relying on Jesus Christ, the rock upon which we are anchored to show us how to love in action.
In verse 22(Psalms 118), David says, “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” The headstone is the stone that holds the building together. David referred to this because he was the youngest and the weakest in his family. Yet God used him greatly. In verse 23, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.” In Ephesians 2:20, Jesus is referred to ‘‘as the Chief cornerstone”.
Prayer of response:
Lord, we are thankful for the people you bring into our lives. Help us to share the steadfast love of God during this lenten season and beyond as we trust You to lead us.
Questions to ponder:
- How do you develop gratitude during the lenten period?
- Have you set aside time to reflect on God’s marvelous doing in recent months?
—Submitted by Margaret Okello
Margaret was born in Uganda. She is a graduate of education at Makeree University, Uganda, and the Master’s programme in administration at St. John’s University, New York, USA. She began as an educator and then worked with international organizations including United Nations and World Health Organization as an administrator in Geneva, Switzerland. She worked with diverse races from Africa, America, Australia, and Europe. In addition, Margaret has been a business entrepreneur and worked with Christian organizations as a Minister and Life Coach. She is a motivational speaker and author. Margaret is married and a mother of two adult children.
(Feature Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/moon-crosses-easter-faith-calvary-4777866/)