Devotional for Thursday, March 19, 2026 based on the Revised Common Lectionary readings:
Psalm 130:1-8
Ezekiel 1:1-3, 2:8–3:3
Revelation 10:1-11
There is a deep honesty in Psalm 130. “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.” This is not polished faith. This is real. It is the voice of someone who feels the weight of life and still turns toward God. Not away, but toward. The psalmist waits, not with easy confidence, but with hope that refuses to let go.
That same tension shows up in Ezekiel and Revelation. Both are given something to eat. A scroll. The word of God. And in both cases, it is described as sweet in the mouth. There is something life-giving about receiving God’s word. It brings clarity. It brings truth. It reminds us that God is speaking.
But then comes the other side. In Revelation, what is sweet in the mouth becomes bitter in the stomach.
Because God’s word does not just comfort. It confronts.
It does not only lift. It also stretches.
It does not simply affirm. It calls us to change.
There are moments when hearing from God feels good. It brings peace. It reassures us. But there are also moments when that same word unsettles us. It exposes what we would rather ignore. It calls us into deeper obedience. It asks more of us than we expected to give.
That is the tension of a real walk with God.
Psalm 130 reminds us that even in the depths, we can wait on the Lord. Not because everything feels good, but because God is faithful. Even when the word is hard. Even when it sits heavy.
So do not turn away when it feels bitter.
Do not walk away when it challenges you.
Stay with it. Let it do its work.
Because what God speaks is always good, even when it is not easy.
🙏 Prayer
God, I come to you from wherever I am today, even from the depths. Help me to receive your word fully, not just the parts that comfort me, but also the parts that challenge me. Give me the strength to stay with you, to trust you, and to grow through what you are speaking into my life. Amen.