May 26, 2022 • Life for Leaders
Scripture Reading – Psalm 94:17-18 (NRSV)
If the LORD had not been my help,
my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
When I thought, “My foot is slipping,”
your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.
Focus
When we look back upon our work lives, we see so many ways that God has been present, helpful, and redemptive.
Prelude
All of us know what it’s like to go through hard times at work. This is true, by the way, whether we’re talking about paid or unpaid work, and no matter the role we play in our work. There are always seasons of difficulty and anxiety, times when we wake up at night and can’t sleep because of the pressures at work.
Looking back upon those times from a distance, however, we can see how God has been present and helpful, both during those times and afterward. Even if we had to experience failure or injustice, we can see how God has been able to work in all things for good (Romans 8:28). With perspective, therefore, we’re able to echo the words of Psalm 94: “If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.”
Prayer
Gracious God, I think back to difficult times at work, times of great pressure and anxiety, times of anger or sadness, times when I feared I would fail, and times when I did fail. I remember how hard it was to go through such times, and how easy it was to fall into despair.
Yet, as I look back, I can see where you were present with me. And I can see how you have worked in all things for good. You have a way, Lord, of redeeming the worst of situations.
I also remember occasions, Lord, when you helped me. You provided what I needed to get out of a jam. Or you worked in the hearts of those who were making my life difficult. Or you gave me strength and patience I didn’t think I had. You have been so faithful, Lord, so gracious and merciful to me.
There’s no doubt in my mind, gracious God, that I wouldn’t have made it without you. If you hadn’t held me up, I would have fallen utterly. I would have sunk into debilitating despair. I would have been lost. But you, O God, have indeed held me up. You’ve embraced me with your love. You’ve helped me to know that I am secure in you no matter what happens.
Thank you, Lord, for your deliverance. Thank you for your grace. Amen.
Ponder Throughout the Day
Because God is your helper, you’ll be okay.
For Further Reflection
Read all of Psalm 94.
You might also read Psalm 107.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the High Calling archive, hosted by the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: The God of Vengeance?
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Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Strategist for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders, and the founder of the De Pree Center’s Flourishing in the Third Third of Life Initiative. Previously, Mark was the Executive Director of the De Pree Center, the lead pastor of a church in Southern California, and the Senior Director of Laity Lodge in Texas. He has written eight books, dozens of articles, and over 2,500 devotions that help people discover the difference God makes in their daily life and leadership. With a Ph.D. in New Testament from Harvard, Mark teaches at Fuller Seminary, most recently in his D.Min. cohort on “Faith, Work, Economics, and Vocation.” Mark is married to Linda, a marriage and family counselor, spiritual director, and executive coach. Their two grown children are educators on the high school and college level.
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