Thursday, February 12, 2026

Opening Scripture

“In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.” Psalm 31:1-5

Opening Prayer

Gracious Father, thank you that your mercies are new again this morning. Thank you that you are my refuge and strength, my ever-present help in times of trouble. Help me to trust in you and delight in you today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Psalm 42

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Reflection  

Today’s passage offers another honest, heart-felt expression of deep emotion. As a deer’s body desperately yearns for a drink of life-giving water, the writer’s soul desperately yearns for the life-giving presence of God.

We take for granted our ability to enjoy God’s comforting presence anytime and anywhere, but for the people of ancient Israel, Jerusalem was the place to be. The psalmist was on Mount Mizar (near Mount Hermon), but he longed to be on Mount Zion (Jerusalem), “where God dwells.”

This psalm touches on two significant questions that God’s people are confronted with from time to time.

Like the writer, we may have had people ask us, “Where is your God?” In his suffering, the psalmist’s enemies continually mock and taunt his faith. Skeptics and cynics love to cast doubt! His response is to remember and take comfort in his previous joyful encounters with God.

And, like the psalmist, we may occasionally find ourselves asking, “Why God?” In the midst of his suffering, the writer desperately asks God, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” After a time of honest pleading, he provides his own counsel: “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

In times of suffering, it’s appropriate to cry out to God and remind Him of His goodness and faithfulness. Declare your belief in God’s mercy and majesty and ask Him for relief. “Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old” (Psalm 25:6).

In times of suffering, it’s also important to remember God’s blessing and provision in the past. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds” (Psalm 77:11-12).

When we’re hurting and doubting, there’s no better place to turn than to our loving Heavenly Father. He knows our pain, He cares for us, and He works all things together for good when we trust in Him. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:8, 18).

Don’t doubt in the darkness what has been revealed to you in the light.

Flourishing Habit

Mental and Physical Health

Remember that flourishing means living life as God intended. We’re paying attention to the six domains of flourishing: Happiness and Life Satisfaction, Mental and Physical Health, Meaning and Purpose, Character and Virtue, Close Social Relationships, and Financial and Material Stability.

Each of these is important and interconnected. For instance, physical movement can significantly enhance mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, boosting mood, and improving overall emotional well-being. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins and helps distract from negative thoughts, contributing to a more positive outlook on life.

You don’t have to purchase a gym membership to improve your mental and physical health. Do what you can right where you are. Walk around. Take the stairs. Sit and stand several times. Extend and rotate your arms. Open and close your hands. Rotate your ankles. Lift your heels up and down several times. Anything is better than nothing. Just do it!

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!