“I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me.” (Psalm 30:1)

Although David recounts his distress, he encourages others to praise God and put their trust in Him. As I read this passage, I acknowledge the many difficulties I’ve experienced in my life and the greater challenge of truly putting my trust and faith in God. We live in a day and age where relying on someone else may be considered weak or passive, while striving for what you want and need without asking for help is often rewarded as hard work and strong initiative.

In this season of Lent, may we understand the importance of letting go and letting God. As we fumble through our day-to-day activities with never-ending checklists and to-do’s, may we pause and recognize the role that God plays in seeing us through what may seem like insurmountable challenges in our lives. David reminds us that every cry should be a cry to Him and giving in to our grief will ease our burdened spirit. “O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me” (Psalm 30:2). We may not be running from life-threatening situations like David, but we can certainly turn to the true Healer who is capable of restoring us to safety, peace, and serenity.

This Lenten season I will let go and let God.

Justin B. Dean

Appointed readings for today: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, Psalm 46:1-8, John 5:1-18