Excerpt from 2 Samuel 5:17-25

"I will be marching ahead of you." (Good News Bible)

Reflection by William C. Green

What's ahead of me today is a lot of what I wanted to get done yesterday or some time ago - making another doctor's appointment, sorting through accumulated email I'd like to delete altogether, making time for difficult conversation with a friend. Also ahead of me are things I like to do - participating in a meeting that will actually accomplish something, going to a new exhibit at the art museum, having dinner this evening with good friends.

What we face may be more or less of the same, perhaps more difficult or more satisfying. Anticipating difficulty,  many of us pray for strength and God's presence. Anticipating satisfaction we may thank God and go on to enjoy ourselves.

Both attitudes make sense. But the Bible commends another attitude as well. It's knowing that God goes before us - "marches" ahead of us - whatever the day holds. In hard times we're urged to remember, as Scripture puts it, the battle is not ours alone but the Lord's.

It's not what we face but who we face that matters the most. Am I just facing a difficult conversation, my own to-do list, my own anxiety, heartache, or happiness? Or, as with David in today's story, am I also facing the God who marches ahead in justice and peace, making things well with my own soul, too?

Prayer

O God, may I face and follow you, not only what's on my mind. Amen.

About the Author William C. Green is Vice-President for Strategy and Development, Moral Courage Project, NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and the author of 52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation: Generous Giving.