READING: Ecclesiastes 7-9, 2 Corinthians 13
“. . . and the God of love and peace will be with you”
2 Corinthians 13:11
It’s funny how the Lord works. I read and re-read today’s text, struggling to determine where to place my emphasis as I prepared to write this devotion. Seldom do I hit a wall in writing about the Word, but I did today. Then I opened my email inbox for a few minutes, and I had my answer.
You see, every morning I receive my daily Bible reading via email, and I also receive a “Verse of the Day” email. That verse is a randomly picked verse, and I focus on that verse each morning as I start the day. I never know, though, what that verse will be until I open the email—and I can’t remember the last time that verse had any direct connection to my daily Bible reading. It might not surprise you, though, that on this day when I have struggled finding focus in my devotional reading, here is the “random” verse of the day: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you” (2 Cor. 13:14).
So, I focus here today on the Father who loves me, the Son who grants me grace, and the Spirit who fellowships with me as He indwells me.
It’s all rather amazing, actually. I don’t think I’m one who over-spiritualizes my reading, but I nevertheless believe that God has intentionally orchestrated both of my readings this day. In His sovereign love, He knew I would be struggling finding direction this day. He knew before He ever made me all that would be on my wandering mind today. This God who made all things, who rules the universe, and who will reign throughout eternity loves me that much. In fact, He loves me so much that He has given me His Spirit to live within me, to convict me, to lead me—to be in fellowship with me. It’s that Spirit that guides me today to read and understand this focal text. And, all of this happens because the Son so graciously died in my place; He gave His life for me when I hardly deserved it.
The triune God has spoken to me through His Word today. Frankly, I feel no need to worry as much today about what He has said; what matters is that He has done it at all.
ACTION STEPS:
- Ponder today the reality that God speaks to us through His Word. Be amazed.
- Take a few minutes and read some of your favorite verses in the Bible. Let it sink in again that God has in the past caught your attention through these words.
PRAYER: “Father, thank You for Your love, the grace of the Your Son, and the fellowship of Your Spirit. I stand amazed today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ecclesiastes 10-12, Galatians 1
