Jesus Walks With You This Summer
Today’s Verses:
Psalm 118:24 ESV
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Earlier this week, I spoke with a fellow patient at the cancer center. He thought his cancer had spread to his bladder because he was urinating a lot more. I asked him if he was drinking more water. He said, “Yeah, it’s summer.” While I could explain the rest of our “I’m peeing too much” story, in the end, the doctor told him he’s urinating more because he’s drinking more water. But the conversation got me thinking about the summertime. Yes, it’s hot and sticky and you never know when a thunderstorm is going to roll through the area. And yes during the summer we drink more water.
Summer has a way of reminding us that God is generous. Long days, warm light, green fields, laughter by the shore—these aren’t just seasonal perks. They’re glimpses of God’s delight in creation. And even if your heart feels heavy today, the sun still rises, and grace still holds you.
Luther taught that all of life is lived coram Deo—before God. That means joy isn’t found in escaping the world but in receiving it, moment by moment, as a gift from the Creator. A cold drink of water, a bird’s song, a kind word—none of these are small things. They’re part of what can bring joy to you and others..
So breathe in the warmth. Smile even if you don’t feel like it. God is near. Christ walks with you. And in Him, joy always has the last word.
Oh, and drink more water. It’s summer!
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord, open my eyes today to the simple joys You’ve placed around me. Let me rest in Your goodness and give thanks, even in small ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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