May 20th, 2024 Be Still: Daily Devotional

Today is the first day after Pentecost Sunday.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Joel, chapter 2.  
 
 
 The LORD replied to them:  
          “I am sending you grain, new wine and olive oil,  
         enough to satisfy you fully;  
         never again will I make you  
         an object of scorn to the nations.  
         Surely he has done great things!  
               Do not be afraid, land of Judah;  
         be glad and rejoice.  
         Surely the LORD has done great things!  
               Do not be afraid, you wild animals,  
         for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green.  
         The trees are bearing their fruit;  
         the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.  
       Be glad, people of Zion,  
         rejoice in the LORD your God,  
         for he has given you the autumn rains  
         because he is faithful.  
         He sends you abundant showers,  
         both autumn and spring rains, as before.  
       The threshing floors will be filled with grain;  
         the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.  
  
       “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—  
         the great locust and the young locust,  
         the other locusts and the locust swarm—  
         my great army that I sent among you.  
       You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,  
         and you will praise the name of the LORD your God,  
         who has worked wonders for you;  
         never again will my people be shamed.  
       Then you will know that I am in Israel,  
         that I am the LORD your God,  
         and that there is no other;  
         never again will my people be shamed. 
 

This is a beautiful passage describing God’s restoration. After a long drought, the Lord is going to send his rain again. After a period of famine, God will bring about a feast. After a period of shame, God will bring his joy. As you come to prayer today, invite God to examine the state of your heart, your mind your physical body, and your relationships. Pay attention to any areas that need renewal or repair. 
   
How would you describe the season in your life that you’ve been going through? Drought or rain? Famine or feast? Shame or joy? Listen to the text again, and pay attention to the words or phrases that God highlights for you.
   
Pentecost is a season of outpouring and renewal. As we close our time of prayer, and as we enter into this season of Pentecost, ask for more of God’s Spirit to be poured out on your life, on your family, and on God’s people throughout the world. Pray that he will renew and revive us.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    
 
Music: "Restore" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)