Devotion for Friday, September 4, 2026

“And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”  But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was” (Luke 1:28-29).

Are you perplexed with the thought that you are favored by the Lord?  Do you believe that the Lord is near to you?  Do you feel at times that He is far off?  He is always with you, so if this is true, where is the problem?  What kind of salvation has the Lord brought into the world?  Is it up to you to understand, or is it a proclamation that lies just beyond your understanding?  “Greetings favored one.”

Lord, I too am perplexed in the midst of an honest moment when I think that You could do anything with the likes of me.  I am one of muddled thinking.  The world is filled with lies and I know that You speak the truth.  Help me to see the lies and understand the truth so that I may walk in a way that is right and good.  You have called whom You have called, and those who hear Your call walk in the truth of the salvation You have prepared.

Lord Jesus, You were born in a particular time in the midst of particular circumstances.  You have called me from my circumstances to come follow You.  Help me learn how to ponder these things and follow.  Let the light of truth break forth through all that I experience that I may be further strengthened to walk in Your salvation.  Let me not hinder what You are doing, but instead, be guided by Your Holy Spirit.  Amen.