Excerpt from Psalm 85:8-13

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for God will speak peace to the people, to God's faithful, to those who turn to God in their hearts.

Reflection by Ron Buford

What is it that you can't wait to hear? Is it that tickets have been released for your favorite performer? That the one you love is coming? That a long-expected baby has finally arrived?

The Psalmist speaks with the same sense of urgency, "I can't wait to hear what God will say!'" Not only is the Psalmist confident that God will speak, the psalmist is also confident about the outcome: "It will bring peace...to those who turn their hearts toward God."

Why is it so much easier to desire peace than it is to truly turn our hearts toward the Stillspeaking God of love and forgiveness? When we are angry, hurt, afraid, or feeling abandoned, it seems easier to turn our hearts to our old feelings and not toward the God of life-giving liberation, hope, and healing.

So, what's it going to be today? The old stuff?  Or taking a chance on God? When verbalized, the choice sounds ridicules, doesn't it?

Because it is.

Walk in a new direction, today. Just do it.

Prayer

Lord, who am I fooling? I have an investment in my old thinking, suspicions, habits, hurts, and anger. But I imagine that making a new peace would be much better - even though I don't really want to do it yet. Quite frankly, Lord, I don't have the power. So I'm turning to walk toward you, trusting that you will bring me the rest of the way. Please give me the courage, power, and wisdom I need. Thank you. Amen

About the Author Ron Buford is Director of Development for the Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ.