Genesis 20 and 21, Psalm 5 and Psalm 6
The Bible can feel a bit chauvinistic at times. When Abraham allows Sarah to be taken by Abimelech, your heart hurts for Sarah (Chapter 20). We see God step in the gap and free Sarah from her captors. Even when decisions made in our humanity take us down the wrong path, God has the power to intervene. Again, Abraham’s wealth grows.
We remember Sarah scoffing at the news of her pregnancy, now a baby boy is born, Isaac (Chapter 21). A miracle!
When Isaac was a toddler, Ishmel, a teenager, mocked him. Sarah told Abraham to get rid of Ishmael and Hagar (Chapter 21). With a heavy heart, Abraham sent them out into the desert.
In the desert, in desperation, Hagar puts her son under a bush and walks away. She refuses to watch him die. God heard the boy crying. He told Hagar to lift the boy up. As she did that, her eyes were opened, and she saw a well of water.
As a single mother, Hagar’s story gives me hope and at the same time teaches me a lesson. There is a place for single mothers in the world, God watches over our children and as their mother, I am commanded to be brave and depend on Him when I feel weak. Beautiful.
In Psalm 5, David clarifies his understanding of sin as he communicates with God. Many times, we justify minor sin. David shares his insight knowing that all sin is unacceptable. He speaks about his enemies and their deceitful ways. Handing over justice to God to defend him.
In Psalm 6, we see David struggle. Most likely from crippling sin. Recognizing our own wrongdoing can be painful. David asks for forgiveness and renews his commitment to remain close to God. The cycle of sin in our lives can become tiresome. Recognizing its power and trying to remain in the stage where we feel close to God will bring us peace.
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