Today’s Reflection
It is God’s will that we have true delight with God in our salvation and that we be mightily comforted and strengthened. And so God wants our souls to be occupied joyfully with God’s grace. For we are God’s bliss, for God delights in us without end, and so, by God’s grace, will we delight in God.
— Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of Julian of Norwich, Edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe (Upper Room Books, 2017)
Today’s Question
What enables you to experience joy and delight in God’s presence? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
—Psalm 16:11 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
God, our Maker, Lover, and Keeper,
Thank you for the everlasting love you have for all you have made.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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5 Comments
There’s that word again…bliss. My concept of bliss is simple delight. Appreciation in the moment, of the moment, without a need to consider concerns and worries outside the moment. Ahhh, simplicity. It seems so far removed from my hectic days. I will attempt to be mindful to take a moment throughout my day, and to slow my breathing and consider bliss. Consider – that I am God’s bliss…He delights over me. A simple thought which should quiet the hecticness of my mind in the moment.
I was grateful to take a walk last evening after dinner. I should have been grading – but had been in front of the screen all day and just needed a break, before more grading and online small group Bible study. The temperature was mild and the sun was trying to peak out. We are about at optimal colors here for leaves changing. Such diversity in colors.
Julie, I keep forgetting to thank you for your offer to help with coffees. One thing I have missed this year is when I travel near or far I like to hit different grocery stores or specialty stores to see what flavors of decaf coffee are available. I get my coffee on-line and they usually do a sale around Halloween – with different “sweet” flavors of coffee…many chocolate ones. I usually get quite a bit and store it in my freezer.
Ally – praying for your sister and upcoming results and for you, as well, as waiting is so intense. May God comfort you.
A hymn based on Psalms 16:11
God, My Hope on You Is Founded
1 All my hope on God is founded;
he doth still my trust renew.
Me through change and chance he guideth,
only good and only true.
God unknown,
he alone
calls my heart to be his own.
2 Human pride and earthly glory,
sword and crown betray his trust;
what with care and toil he buildeth,
tower and temple, fall to dust.
But God’s power,
hour by hour,
is my temple and my tower.
3 God’s great goodness aye endureth,
deep his wisdom, passing thought:
splendour, light, and life attend him,
beauty springeth out of naught.
Evermore
from his store
new-born worlds rise and adore.
4 Daily doth th’ Almighty giver
bounteous gifts on us bestow;
his desire our soul delighteth,
pleasure leads us where we go.
Love doth stand
at his hand;
joy doth wait on his command.
5 Still from earth to God eternal
sacrifice of praise be done,
high above all praises praising
for the gift of Christ his Son.
Christ doth call
one and all:
ye who follow shall not fall.
Joachim Neander
Translator: Robert Bridges
Tune: MICHAEL (Herbert Howells)
This is a new concept for me and I will have to contemplate the notion of bliss, both God’s in me and mine in God.
Prayers for Jill and her hectic school schedule due to the new manner of teaching. May you find time to “take a breath” to think about and experience bliss. Simpson and Vail is a coffee and tea online purveyor that Megan and I order tea from. They also have flavored coffees with a similar sale as you mentioned.
Prayers for Marcy and may her cold be improving.
Prayers for Robert, may he and the plumber finally get to talk.
Prayers for Ally and David as well as her sister, may the test results show no issue.
Prayers for Rick, may he soon find a new home and may he reconnect with God.
My mom will go home on Sunday. I hope she is truly ready and that the release is not simply based on insurance coverage. We should finally get our new freezer delivered today. This is fraught with anxiety as h can make things nasty for anyone coming into our home
Yes, there is bliss here and there even in turbulent times, days, hours, and minutes. Sometimes I see, feel, experience it in what I consider “closer to God” moments. but alas all bliss comes from God, bliss is good and good comes from God. It may not seem so godly, but it surely makes a positive impression on us and we feel it.
Have struggled more with the plumbing project, awaiting calls from contacts I’ve made. Took a break and worked on the caboose since the glazing glue arrived. Windows in the cupola are in!, The ladder, brake wheel, railing assemblies are installed on both ends of the car, and while a little bit is left to do, enough is done for it to make an appearance on the diorama assembly area. Progress too on the café grill car. A beautiful warm day here. Slept later than usual after a very unusual 11 pm bedtime. I am very much an early morning person and staying up at night has been a struggle all my life.
More of a tea drinker, I’m traditional British or Korean when it comes to tea. Earl Grey, English Breakfast vs citron, ginger or ginseng. Will try almost any tea and appreciate the range beyond my comfort zone. More bliss! The joy of a new freezer, another bliss! Yes, prayers for Megan and Julie as they undergo the process, hope health is doing well. Thankful and prayerful for Marcy dealing with a cold. Hope Roxy is well. She is a great help and hope she is helped as well. Prayers for David, Ally and her sister. Many hurdles to be dealt with. Rick surely has challenges, but I am confident that faith with guide him to a new home. God is always ready and willing to connect. It’s always the darkest just before the dawn, what a difference the sun/Son makes. Thank You, Lord
A dear friend would pray over me and say, “God, instill in Ally the assurance that she is a delight to you”. Another friend says that God needs us as much as we need Him. So this relationship is love. Lord, help me to love You and others outrageously and take delight in You as You have in me.
David has been sharing stories with me of him and Mary when they were kids. He is still so sad. Just part of the natural grieving process. We are looking for ways to honor Mary even though we can’t be present for her service. Amy’s mammogram is Monday. She is experiencing a lot of anxiety. I wish I could be with her. Pray also for her husband, Mike. He hasn’t said much, but I know he’s worried and trying to be strong for Amy. Our work duties just increased again. Pray that God will give me the grace and the cool head I need right now.
Jill, thank you for your thoughts on bliss and delight. I pray you find rest in getting away from the screen. I would love to see your fall color. Central GA doesn’t have the vibrancy of even North GA, which can be spectacular. Marcy, thank you for this great hymn. Praying that you are feeling well and that Roxy is doing ok. Love to Lucy Lou. Julie, praying everything goes smoothly with your freezer delivery. Know that I’m praying for you and Megan and a swift resolution with relief to your situation. Praying that your mom’s recovery is sufficient and she is ready to come home. Thanks to everyone for your prayers for Amy. I pray we call find delight in the Lord today.
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