Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The Sending of the Spirit

Scripture:  Psalm 104: 30--When you send forth your spirit, they are created.

Today’s scripture invites us to continue to reflect upon the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. Amazement and awe fill the psalmist's mouth as he considers the foundations of the earth and everything therein. He marvels at the magnificent complexity of all systems and created life. 

Interestingly, in today’s psalm, human beings occupy only two verses (15 and 23). This Psalm invites us humans to leave behind false notions of responsibility, superiority, and inflated self-image. It also disrupts false notions of inferiority and inadequacy. Rather than the focus being upon humans, we are enveloped into the wider constellation of a creation. We are rightly positioned as part of a created world, not the center of it. God is the creator and sustainer of us all. 

This psalm positions us below God, yet joyful recipients of God’s extravagant grace and love. This psalm positions us on our knees with hands raised in joyful surrender and songs of praise filling our mouths.

Today, as we continue our journey towards Pentecost, may we look towards Pentecost with open hands, reminded that in due time, and in due season, the breathing of the Holy Spirit will both create and sustain life.

Let us simply take a look around at all of the miraculous reminders of God’s presence in the earth. Consider the budding flowers, the buzzing of the bees, consider the return of butterflies and other insects as we transition through Spring. Where do you  notice the breathing of God’s spirit?

Invitation:

What has the Lord been forming in your life? What areas within your life do you discern the breathing of the Holy Spirit? What areas in your life are awaiting the breathing of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer:  Lord, when you send forth your Spirit, life is created. I ask you today to send forth your Spirit into every area of my life. Send forth your Spirit upon my relationships, the work of my hands and the meditations of my heart. I need more of you in every area of my life. Sometimes I can get so sidetracked and the focus becomes all about me. Help me today to properly position myself into a posture of openness to the moving and breathing of your Holy Spirit. Like the Psalmist, may prophetic songs of praise and worship spring forth from my lips. May my heart's desire be simply to cultivate a closer relationship with you today. Amen.

   Elder Leslie Nambo