Today’s Reflection
OVER THE YEARS I have been impressed by how differently people respond to the phrase “the will of God.” Some see it as wonderfully freeing, while others regard it as rigid, heavy, or even fear-inspiring. And I have been equally struck by how I can flip back and forth between these two modes of perceiving God’s will. At my most anxious, I conceive of God’s will as tightly and precisely fixed. I must sniff it out in every detail. Even when I think I have done so, a cloud darkens my mind. Am I really doing the right thing here? At my most free, though, I move forward with confidence about God’s intention for my life. I still care deeply about the steps I take, both large and small, but I take them with the sense that as long as I am moving in the direction of God’s love, I am living faithfully and joyfully as I truly wish to.
—Marjorie J. Thompson and Stephen V. Doughty
The Way of Discernment Participant’s Book
Companions in Christ Series
From page 26 of The Way of Discernment Participant’s Book, Companions in Christ Series by Marjorie J. Thompson and Stephen V. Doughty. Copyright © 2008 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What does the phrase “will of God” mean to you? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.
—Colossians 1:9-10 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Creator God, Show me the way that is good and acceptable and perfect. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Something More
Join the staff of The Upper Room in praying for the victims and their families of the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton. Pray with us.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
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4 Comments
I believe every Christian should be doing something as a personal ministry or mission directed by God. We each have a God directed purpose in His kingdom. The Holy Spirit is then the connection providing direction, strength, focus, and endurance. Within all that the Holy Spirit is showing each of us the will of God which defines and empowers our purpose so we each then live into the will of God.
R Martin M Armstrong, I agree with your statement, but do not understand the last sentence.
Knowing the will of God and being sure that what we do is according to God’s will are both easy at times and hard to be sure of at other times in my opinion. Do not murder is easy, helping someone dealing with severe life challenging pain is less so. I know I can always pray. Sometimes answers are not as immediate as I would like.
A nice early morning walk to a replica of the Vietnam Memorial that is on display in town. Trained to go there, but was sent elsewhere. My cousin served there, had malaria, and was wounded by friendly fire. Wish the US had not gone, we have diplomatic relations with Vietnam today and many people would not have died, suffered. Have to be very careful in the decision to go to war.
Prayers of thanks, Doris is alive, weak after surgery, not sure of much more.
Anneliese has to wait for insurance to pay for another treatment.
Have to find out how Meesook is doing.
A baby with a heart problem has been born to parents in my new church. Living past 1 year old will be difficult.
Prayers for Marcy and Mary, Julie and Megan, and all in need of medical and well being help.
Thankful for cooler, less humid weather. a bed on the way, and skin healing.
Progress making a new gym yesterday.
Prayers for Betsy and her move, Harrison and Kelsey.
Physical, emotional, and spiritual progress for Connie, Andrea, and Lowell.
Thank you Lord for the blessings of the day.
Church tomorrow, salt will be on the table and in the sermon as we taste and see the Lord.
The blessing of Christ to all always.
I agree with Robert, it is both easy and difficult to discern the will of God at all times. We are not God, afterall, and cannot, as mere mortals, claim to know the mind of the one true God. I also like your examples, Robert.
A replica of the Vietnam Memorial is at a time near here also. I visited once, both the replica and the real one. Very humbling. My maternal uncle served there and also in Korea.
Prayers for Robert and Erich, for healing and new gyms.
Prayers for Andrea and Lowell, may they have warm visits with friends.
Prayers for a safe move for Betsy.
Prayers for warm days filled with flowers and hummers for Connie.
Prayers for safe travel for Jill.
Prayers for Lou and her daughter, may both be successful in new life circumstances.
Prayers for joy for Mary.
Prayers for health for Marcy.
Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR readers and posters as both are family in Christ
Thanks Julie!
I like to pray for God’s will to be done which simply means whatever it is, I know God’s will is best and submitting to His perfect will, I have peace which is very important to me.
Blessings!
May God’s will be done in our lives!
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