by Pastor Douglas Brauner

Celebrating Salvation in Life’s Journey

You can listen to today’s devotion buy clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Outside of missing family and friends, the one thing I miss about Oregon is the Pacific Ocean. It feels like a waste of time for me to make the trip to Oregon and not smell the salt air, not take in the sound of the crashing waves, and not wash seagull poop off my car. (Okay, so not the latter.)

There’s also nothing like watching the sun’s evening light extinguished by the ocean’s boundary. I would guess that for those of you who grew up on the east coast, there is nothing like staring at the horizon waiting for the sun to make its appearance.

“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”
Psalm 113:3 English Standard Version

As amazing as sunrises and sunsets are, we need to remember that most of the day is lived out in between these two events.

The rising of the sun and its setting reminds us of our PLACE in life. By “place” I’m referring to the circumstances of our lives. Each one of us is at a unique place with unparalleled circumstances. Some of us are going through a mountain top experience; others are in the depths of despair. No matter our circumstance, we’re called to praise God’s name.

The rising of the sun and its setting reminds us of our TIME in life. Like the endless pounding of the waves, time is relentless. We feel its effect on our bodies and in our thoughts. We are constantly adjusting to our position in life. No matter where we are in time, we’re called to praise God’s name.

No matter our unique time or place, God’s salvation in Christ is always present. The psalmists often called the people to remember God’s salvation, especially in their daily battles. It seems that these battles are unending, but God’s love knows no bounds. Whether we’re in the pit or pinnacle of life, God’s salvation reaches deep into our daily walk.

This is our cause for unending praise even in what seems like an unending battle.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado