Experiencing God’s Accompaniment

God’s redemption and accompaniment of people are the common themes in the texts from the Hebrew scripture. People can rejoice and give thanks to God for the gifts that nurture life. There is a clear presence of God walking with the people. Expressions of hope, satisfaction, and praise communicate the presence and experience of God as the one that will bridge the human and the divine. The readings from the New Testament have a very different emphasis. God continues to accompany the people but is now the one who holds the people accountable for faith practices, ways of life, and faithfulness.

• Read Joel 2:23-32. How do you experience the presence of God in your life? How have natural events been a sign to you of God’s presence?
• Read Psalm 65. What does it mean to be accompanied by God today? How do you find joy and happiness in your closeness to God?
• Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18. When has God strengthened you in the face of evil?
• Read Luke 18:9-14. What aspect of your life do you need to approach with renewed humility?