By Tamara Fore-Ravelo
Lectionary reading for 3/8/2022: Psalm 17; Zechariah 3:1-10; 2 Peter 2:4-21
Selected passage for reflection: Psalm 17:4-5
Read
Psalm 17:4-5 The Message
I’m staying on your trail; I’m putting one foot in front of the other. I’m not giving up.
Reflect
Keep Putting One Foot in Front of the Other
Beloved, the world is weeping. Our communities are weeping. Families are weeping, and if we are honest, personally, many of us have tears resting in our hearts also. The tears are like a weighted traveling companion. That feeling is there, and it lingers like an invited house visitor who overstays their welcome. For many, in recent times, loved ones have passed away, jobs have ceased to exist, families have become fractured, neighbors have been at a divide and our places of worship seem different than before because they are trying to grapple with these changes as well. These days the songs of the church are being sung through weary throats. It appears the more we push for change, the more things seem to stay the same.
When we are in tough situations it feels like they last forever. The good news is, they don’t. Jesus knew of this experience and David the author of Psalm 17 knew it too. We are not alone. When we land in this text David is crying out to the Lord. In this chapter he emotes agony, expresses overwhelm and echoes the sentiments of a person who is consumed with the pressures of life. By the end however, he is encouraged that he will rise again.
As we embark upon the Lent season that details Jesus’ wilderness experience before the resurrection, we are enlightened to the reality that after the hard place comes the life-giving space. In both instances, David and Jesus, keep putting one foot in front of the other. They kept the faith, believed the promise, that soon, there would be better days. That same truth holds for us. It won’t be this way forever. If you are here or someone you love is facing difficulty, today be encouraged. You will get there. Keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Respond
Today, you are invited to hold on to hope and encourage someone to hold on to hope too.
Rest
God, the giver of good and perfect gifts, like the Psalmist David our heart is turned toward you. Give your children the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Amen.
About the Author
Tamara Ravelo from New Haven, CT
My favorite things include laughter, travel, and having fun with those I love. Currently, I live on the East Coast with my husband and daughter, but originally, I am from the West Coast, where I love sunny beach days. Home is the Quechan Indian Reservation (pronounced Kwuh-tsan), where I spent many of my formative years unaware that my family and I lived on a reservation. I’m out here in the world proudly reppin’ my Indigenous people. Life by far hasn’t been easy, but by God’s grace, I’ve obtained my master’s degree in business (MBA) and currently attend Yale University as an MDiv candidate slated to graduate in 2023’. At Yale, I also serve in Marquand Chapel as a minister. On other days you can find me leading as Assistant Pastor at Salem Covenant Church in Washington Depot, CT, where I love prayer and creating spaces for others to heal; however, that may come. You can find me on facebook, twitter and Instagram @thetamararavelo
Thank you for the encouragement to keep putting one foot in front of the other. My current situation feels like it will go on forever. I'm trying to keep trusting that better days are coming!