April 19: Tuesday Refocus

“If Biblical Christianity is to survive the present world of upheaval, we shall need to have a fresh revelation of the greatness and beauty of Jesus. He alone can raise our cold hearts to rapture and restore again the art of true worship.” - A.W. Tozer

Wars and rumors of wars. Deadly diseases. Long-awaited reckonings of race and gender. Power imbalance and abuse. Beauty is often hidden in the cracks of our broken world. But it is out of the perfection of beauty that God shines forth as more beautiful (Psalm 50:2). It is into the darkness that a light has shone and not been overcome (John 1:5). We celebrate on Easter that Christ has made a public spectacle of death triumphing over them in the cross (Colossians 2:14-15). That Christ has come and is coming again. That He will wipe every tear, and dwell among His people illuminating hearts and lives (Revelation 21:3-4, 22:5).

It is not in a world - or circumstance - free from brokenness and upheaval that worship is restored, but here and now as we acknowledge our brokenness and catch glimpses of the beauty of God.

God, give us the ability to recognize the brokenness in ourselves as much as the world. Spirit, lift our eyes to see, know, love, and treasure Jesus. In His name, amen.

May it be so,

AB

March 24: Tuesday Refocus

‘To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.

O my God, in You I trust;

let me not be put to shame;

let not my enemies exult over me.

indeed, none who wait for You shall be put to shame;

they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.'

In my waiting, I still behold the beauty and radiance of God. All those who look to Him are radiant (Ps 34:5)

'Make me to know Your ways, O LORD;

teach me Your paths.

Lead me in Your truth and teach me,

for You are the God of my salvation;

for You I wait all the day long.'

When my face is set upon Him, I walk in His ways, follow His leading, and wait on Him.

'Remember Your mercy, O LORD, and Your steadfast love,

for they have been from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;

according to Your steadfast love remember me,

for the sake of Your goodness, O LORD!'

PSALM 25:1-7

For His namesake, the same One who numbers my hairs and catches my tears chooses to remember not my sin.

Thank You, Father, that You are sovereign and You are good. Help us lift our eyes to You, set our trust in Your character and follow Your paths by the power of the Spirit, in Christ’s name, amen.

Looking to Him,

AB