God And His People
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Genesis 42:21-38 and Psalm 116:1-7 (NIV)
(Irene Tan from Discipleship and Nurture)
READ:
Psalm 116:1-7 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The psalmist was overcome by distress and sorrow, and he called on the name of the Lord. The Lord heard his cry for mercy and saved him. Because of this, he resolves to call on God as long as he lives.
This may seem like a short passage to read quickly, but it is not. Its truths are learned by walking with our Lord through the stages of life. On that walk we come to know His grace and His righteousness in all things. We also learn that His compassion does not pass by anyone who comes to Him.
APPLY:
As I read the first words of Psalm 116, they become very real in my present situation. Someone close to me is in a difficult situation with his health. I love the Lord, and I pray that He hears my voice as I call to Him for mercy. I pray that He also hears the prayers of loved ones and friends who bring this need before His great Throne of Mercy.
To know God is to need Him to be in control in all things and in all ways. When we truly walk His Way, we see how great His grace is and that His righteousness is everywhere. To know God is also to know His compassion, which saves us when we call to Him, as the psalmist did in his distress.
How can His child be in distress if he is always with the Father? Yet I too am in a distress that only God can help. So God is the only One I go to, for He alone is my absolute Hope and Giver.
DO:
Call on the name of the Lord today and bring my burdens to His Throne of Mercy, including those of loved ones who are suffering. Then, as verse 7 says, I will let my soul return to its rest, trusting that the Lord has been good to me.
PRAY:
God our Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word, given to us through generations of Your people. I pray that I will follow Your righteous way and pass on Your blessings to people who have yet to know that You are God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
