I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

When I Lose Heart--Feb. 7, 2020

[From Feb. 3, 2012 archive, adapted from my Feb. 4, 2000 journal]

When I grow weary or lose heart
remind me of him who endured great hostility.

Make me firm in the sure knowledge that you will instruct
me on the way, even as you led Abraham's servant.

And do not let me be swayed by the crowd,
for some say one thing and some another.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 84; 148; 25; 40
Gen. 24:1-27
Heb. 12:3-11
John 7:1-13

Selected Verses
Ps. 25:8
Good and upright is the LORD;
          therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

Gen. 24:27b
“…As for me, the LORD has led me on the way to the house of my master's kin.”  [Abraham's servant, upon finding Rebekah for Isaac]

Heb. 12:3
Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

John 7:12
And there was considerable complaining about [Jesus] among the crowds.  While some were saying, “He is a good man,” others were saying, “No, he is deceiving the crowd.”

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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