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Week 2: Be bold!

Updated: Jan 19

Devotional readings focused on Psalms 2 and 3 for the second week of January.


Is midlife a time to be bold or to fade away? Society often overlooks the value of middle-aged women, but God never does! He wants us to stay strong in this season. This week, we will explore the power of God in our lives and how He equips us to speak truth and hope into our world.


Monday's reading: Psalm 2 and Psalm 3

Reflection Questions: What evidence of anger and rejection against God do you see around you? How might God's response to evil increase your boldness in proclaiming God's Word in your family and community?


Tuesday's reading: Daniel 3

Reflection Questions: How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego view the consequences of their stance for God? How do you view the consequences of being bold for God?


Wednesday's reading: Acts 4

Reflection Questions: Who needs to hear you speak God's truth with boldness right now? Consider the prayer for boldness the church prayed in verses 24-31. Write out a prayer like theirs asking God for the courage to speak with truth and love.


Thursday's reading: Proverbs 12:1-7

Reflection Questions: According to the verses in Proverbs 12, what is the general outcome for righteous people in comparison to evil people? How have you specifically seen seen these truths play out in your own life? How could you use those experiences to enourage the people in your life?


Friday's reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Reflection Questions: We are told to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand firm, but who or what are we standing firm against? What personal spiritual practices help you put on the armor of God so that you are able to stand firm?


Weekend reading: Psalm 57

Reflection Questions: Being bold is not an easy task. How do the first three verses of Psalm 57 offer you personal reassurance of the love and presence of God? What is God calling you to do in this season of life that will require supernatural boldness rooted in the trustworthiness of God?


Meditation

When I was a child, my dad took me climbing on Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon. We started at low tide and picked our way carefully around deep tidal pools and over slippery boulders to the far side of the 235 foot tall rock formation. Once there, we took shelter in a cleft just above the reach of the waves and watched as the tide began to roll in, beating against the rocks beneath our feet. We didn't stay long--the ledge on which we stood would soon be submerged by each incoming wave.

Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon
Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon

When I read in Psalm 2 "Why do the nations rage . . ." my mind sees those waves crashing incessantly against the immovable rock. The waves may try to dislodge the rock, but they "plot in vain." Haystack Rock still stands as it has stood for years in the relentless Pacific Ocean surf.


The Solid Rock


No wonder Jesus tells us to build our lives on the Solid Rock! God's character and Word do not change with the shifting tides of human opinion. He alone is sovereign and He alone is mighty to save us. As we will read this week, God's children will find God to be faithful in the most difficult of circumstances, but especially when His children boldly take a stand for God's truth.


Live boldly!


What might taking a bold stand look like in your midlife season? Could you mentor, teach, encourage? Take on a leadership role in your community? It sure is tempting to avoid ruffling feathers, especially when you are a woman of a certain age (ahem)! But our seasoned midlife voices sharing God's wisdom might be just what our families and communities need. Those we love need to hear truth from our lips and see it lived out in our lives so that they will have confidence to follow God boldly themselves.


Let's explore this week what it means to trust in God and proclaim Him boldly even when the tides of culture rage against us! I am confident that God will show Himself to be our shield, our glory and the One who lifts our heads above the waves.







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