Daily Lesson for January 7, 2021

 Today's Daily Lesson comes from Psalms 103:

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, * and all that is within me, bless his holy Name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, * and forget not all his benefits. 3 He forgives all your sins * and heals all your infirmities; 4 He redeems your life from the grave * and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness; 5 He satisfies you with good things, * and your youth is renewed like an eagle's. 6 The Lord executes righteousness * and judgment for all who are oppressed. 7 He made his ways known to Moses * and his works to the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, * slow to anger and of great kindness. 9 He will not always accuse us, * nor will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, * nor rewarded us according to our wickedness. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, * so is his mercy great upon those who fear him. 16 When the wind goes over it, it is gone, * and its place shall know it no more. 17 But the merciful goodness of the Lord endures for ever on those who fear him, * and his righteousness on children's children; 18 On those who keep his covenant * and remember his commandments and do them. 19 The Lord has set his throne in heaven, * and his kingship has dominion over all. 20 Bless the Lord, you angels of his, you mighty ones who do his bidding, * and hearken to the voice of his word. 21 Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, * you ministers of his who do his will. 22 Bless the Lord, all you works of his, in all places of his dominion; * bless the Lord, O my soul.

On this day after the terrible events in our nation's Capitol yesterday, this morning's Lesson is a reminder of the consolations of God, the grace of redemption, and the hope of healing.

We are so far long now in an era of hate and division. For years the seeds of antagonism and discord have been sown, and of which yesterday was the bitter fruit. We pray and resolve it was not just the first fruits.

We come to a place of decision.

Yesterday life was lost, innocent blood was shed, and our reputation as a nation was deeply damaged. It was a deeply disturbing and sorrowful day for our country.

But hatred, and violence, and discord do not have to have the last word. The door to a more bright and hopeful future is still open. We must choose to walk through that door.

The Psalmist says:

"The merciful goodness of the Lord endures for ever on those who fear him,

and his righteousness on children's children."

There is hope for our children yet, and for our children's children. There is hope for our nation -- "one nation, with liberty and justice for all" -- with two paths set out before it.

Let us choose the path of peace; and may God's mercy and righteousness be our guide.

Rev. Ryon Price is the Senior Pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.