a journey in existence

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Scripture: Psalm 95:1–2, 6–8

Scripture Summary
The psalm calls people to sing, worship, and bow before God, the One who made us and shepherds us. It also gives a warning: “Today, if you hear God’s voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Devotion
There is both joy and warning in this psalm.

We are invited to worship with gratitude, but we are also reminded to stay open-hearted before God. It is possible to become hardened by disappointment, anger, or exhaustion. Life can do that to us.

But Lent is an invitation to soften again. To listen again. To let God’s voice reach the places in us that have grown guarded or weary.

Today, not someday, but today, God is still speaking.

Prayer
Shepherding God, keep my heart open to your voice, your leading, and your grace today. Amen.

Friday, March 13, 2026

Scripture: Romans 5:1–5

Scripture Summary
Paul says that since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. He speaks of suffering producing endurance, character, and hope, and says that hope does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured into our hearts.

Devotion
This passage does not pretend suffering is easy. It simply tells the truth: suffering is real, but it is not empty.

Some of us know that deeply. We have carried grief, disappointment, uncertainty, and burdens we never asked to bear. And still, somehow, God has kept us.

Paul reminds us that hope is not wishful thinking. Hope is what grows when God’s love keeps meeting us in the middle of real life. Not after the struggle, but in it.

That kind of hope does not disappoint because it is grounded in God’s love, not in changing circumstances. 

Prayer
God of hope, pour your love into my heart again and help me trust that you are still at work, even in hard places. Amen.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Scripture: Exodus 17:5–7

Scripture Summary
God tells Moses to strike the rock, and water comes out for the people to drink. Amid their fear and complaining, God still provides.

Devotion
What a grace that God provides even when faith is shaky.

The people complained. They doubted. They questioned. And still, water came from the rock.

That is good news for us, because there are many days and nights when our faith is not strong or polished. There are days when our prayers sound more like frustration than confidence. Yet God remains faithful.

Lent reminds us that God’s mercy does not depend on our perfection. God meets us even in our need, even in our weakness, even in our doubt.

Prayer
Merciful God, thank you for providing for me even on the days when my faith feels fragile. Amen.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Scripture: Exodus 17:1–4

Scripture Summary
The Israelites are in the wilderness with no water, and they begin to complain to Moses. In their fear and frustration, they wonder whether God is really with them.

Devotion
Wilderness faith is hard.

It is one thing to trust God when life feels settled. It is another thing to trust when resources are low, nerves are frayed, and the future feels uncertain. That is where Israel finds itself.

Truthfully, that is where many of us find ourselves, too. We look around at the world, at our communities, at our own burdens, and we wonder, “Is God really with us in this?”

The wilderness does not mean God has abandoned us. Sometimes it is the very place where God will provide what we need.

Prayer
God of the wilderness, when I am tired and uncertain, hold me steady and remind me that you are still with me. Amen.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Scripture: John 4:27–42

Scripture Summary
The woman leaves her jar behind and runs back to the city to tell others about Jesus. Her testimony leads many people to come and see for themselves, and many believe.

Devotion
Sometimes the most powerful witness is simply telling the truth about what God has done for you.

The woman at the well does not have all the answers. She does not preach a perfect sermon. She simply says, in effect, come and see.

That still matters. In a world full of cynicism and hurt, people are often not looking for polished words. They are looking for real faith, real kindness, real hope.

Maybe our calling is not to have everything figured out. Maybe it is simply to point toward Jesus with honesty and joy.

Prayer
God, give me courage to share your goodness in simple, genuine ways that invite others to come and see. Amen.