⁹ Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
so our land will be filled with his glory.

¹⁰ Unfailing love and truth have met together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed!
¹¹ Truth springs up from the earth,
and righteousness smiles down from heaven.
¹² Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings.
Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.
¹³ Righteousness goes as a herald before him,
preparing the way for his steps.

Psalm 85:9-13

Dear God, I was reading this psalm this morning, and it was verse 10 that caught my eye: Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! Your righteousness has made peace with our wretcheness. We have kissed. The truth is that we are not worthy of relationship with you. I am not worthy of relationship with you. But your unfailing love has been able to meet with that truth and look beyond it.

You are so good, and I am not. You are so holy, and I am not. You are so everything positive, and I am so carnal.

Father, you know there is something heavy on my heart this morning. There are actually two–make that three–no, make that four things that are causing me concern. But to quote a Christian pop song by Rachel Rachel from the 90s, you are always there, holding me closely in your tender arms. The wonder of your love falls down on me. Holy Spirit, be with me today in love. My desired outcome is that all of these things will work together for your plans for good. In our commuty. In our family. In our friendships. In our world.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen