Saturday, January 3, 2009

January 1, 2009: "Auld Lang Syne"

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
Philippians 1:3 NIV

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind…?” I wonder how many people around the world sang “Auld Lang Syne” to welcome the New Year today. Although the language of this song is archaic to us, the question it asks continues to be one that those of us in this ninth year of the 21st century need to seriously consider. As we welcome a new year—or for that matter, as we welcome a new day—should our old acquaintances and friendships be forgotten and never thought of again?

It is my habit to pray for people each time I think of them because I believe that is Holy Sprit prompting me to pray when someone needs it the most. Paul told the Philippians that he thanked God for them every time he remembered them. Thanking God for someone every time you think of them would seem to be a simple thing to do. Or is it?

Perhaps if one of our acquaintances has wounded our heart through their words and actions, then it would be tempting in our pain to never think of them or speak to them again, let alone pray for them. However, in this situation it would be better for us to never bring to mind the painful circumstance lest a root of bitterness form in our already vulnerable, bruised heart. Let us instead remember especially these acquaintances in prayer to God.

“Dear God,
There are many people in my life that I love and for whom it is easy for me to thank You. You have placed them in my life to be a part of my family, my friends, my co-workers, and my acquaintances. But sometimes God, these same people are the very ones who bring painful grief into my heart by their unkind words and actions. I know that I am guilty of doing that in their lives too. Please forgive me and help me to forgive them with Your Strength in me. Guide me as I seek to extend Your kind grace of love and mercy. Help me to pray for everyone each and every time that I think of them, especially the ones who “…despitefully use me.” Help me to specifically thank You for them, as I should.
In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen “


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©01-01-09 by Janet Faye Broyles of Edmond, Oklahoma . This devotional is protected by copyright laws and may not be reprinted or posted to a site without permission from Janet F. Broyles. All readers are welcome to forward the devotional to a friend or link to it. If you would like to seek permission to reprint the devotional in full, please leave a message for me here. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~