“O God, you chose the Virgin Mary as the figure of the new Israel, from whom is born the new David. Victorious in his battle with an enemy far more terrifying than Goliath, the Lord Jesus keeps the promise of the prophet: sorrow and mourning will flee. In this new world marked by joy, make new all who are blind and deaf and lame of spirit, that they may enter singing into your new Jerusalem and there rejoice in the gladness of the Mother of the risen Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” – Closing prayer in today’s Magnificat prayer for the morning
Coincidence that David and Goliath came to me in prayer this week and now here in print I’m reading a prayer about the new David and an enemy more terrifying than Goliath? No, definitely not. Also, on repeat this week, lack of faith…the apostles not believing when people were witnessing that they saw Jesus. AND the promises of heaven, the lame will walk, the deaf will hear, the mute will speak…
God knows my heart so well. The truth is I want the promises God offers: to be healed, to bear fruit, to be free, to be joyful, but deep down, I am skeptical. It’s a constant tug of war.
God will provide.
God doesn’t seem to be providing what I had in my head. Maybe I will do this thing to get things on track, even if it doesn’t feel right.
God’s power is in me, working through me.
Why do I think I can do this? Why did I think I could achieve this?
God can heal and restore anything.
God can do a lot, but maybe this thing is just better left alone.
God has made it pretty darn clear that part of my Goliath is my doubt or disbelief. It’s there. In a way, it seems shameful. I hate admitting it publicly, but if I don’t acknowledge it, I can’t overcome it.
If there is anything I don’t doubt: God reveals things for a reason. He repeats things for a reason. We should pay attention, and I am paying attention.
So guess what?! I am super excited to announce a series I am doing on God’s promises. I will be taking scripture from both the Old and New Testament that boldly proclaims God’s promises, and I will be reflecting on these promises, putting them on repeat, until I have replaced any doubt with the assuredness in God’s promises: healed, forgiven, seen, what we share multiplied, tears into dancing, hearts for love alone.
Even as I write all of these words and phrases, I am reminded that God’s promises are unending, limitless, because we are also promised eternal life where nothing clings or binds us anymore—no sin, no attachments, no need for anything at all except to love and praise the Lord. He will restore all to share in His glory.
These reflections will go out every Wednesday and regular blog posts will continue as well, possibly, but not necessarily, related to the series. Make sure you subscribe to get these delivered right to your inbox.
Know a friend who could use a weekly uplifting message of God’s promises? Encourage them to subscribe as well.
For now, I will end with another of God’s great promises: Peace be with you.
“My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives it do I give it to you.” John 14:27 NABRE
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