In the Midst of [Self-made] Trouble--April 26, 2013

 God, I turned away from you today,

and now I am repenting.

I am not worthy of your company;

I walk in the midst of self-made trouble.

Stretch out your hand, your right hand,

and deliver me from the wrath

of the enemies that dwell inside me--

anger, wrath, slander, abusive language.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 96; 148; 49; 138

Jer. 31:15-22

Col. 3:1-11

Luke 7:1-17

Selected Verses

Ps. 138:7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
          you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
          and your right hand delivers me.

Jer. 31:19

"…For after I had turned away I repented;
          and after I was discovered, I struck my thigh;
I was ashamed, and I was dismayed
          because I bore the disgrace of my youth.”

["Ephraim" pleading to the LORD]

Col. 3:8

But now you must get rid of all such things — anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth.

Luke 7:6

And Jesus went with [the Jewish elders sent by the centurion], but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to [Jesus], “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof…"