What Is God Saying to Us Through the Daily Office Readings?

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Readings: Psalm 72; 2 Samuel 3:22–39; Acts 16:16–24; Mark 6:47–56

Theme: God Alone Does Wondrous Deeds

“Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds.” — Psalm 72:18

Today’s readings are filled with violence, injustice, fear, and suffering. At first they seem difficult to connect. Yet Psalm 72 provides the lens through which we are invited to read them. God’s wondrous deeds are not limited to dramatic miracles. Often they are seen in His faithful work of justice, redemption, and presence in the middle of a broken world.

In 2 Samuel, Joab murders Abner to avenge the death of his brother Asahel. David had sought peace, not revenge, and publicly mourned Abner’s death. By refusing to celebrate violence and by condemning Joab’s actions, David demonstrated the kind of justice God desires in a king. Even amid betrayal and bloodshed, God continued moving His plan to unite Israel under David.

In Acts, Paul and Silas freed a young woman who had been exploited by her owners for financial gain. Instead of being thanked, they were beaten, stripped, and thrown into prison. Doing what was right brought suffering rather than comfort. Yet God was already preparing to perform another wondrous deed. Although today’s reading ends with prison doors closing, we know they will soon become the place where God’s power and grace are revealed.

In Mark, the disciples struggled against the wind while Jesus came to them walking on the sea. They were terrified until they heard His words:

“Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

The storm did not disappear before Jesus arrived. He came into the storm, revealing God’s presence in the midst of fear.

These readings remind us that God’s wondrous deeds are not always immediate victories. Sometimes His wonder is found in sustaining faithful people through injustice, bringing peace instead of revenge, and revealing His presence when life feels most frightening.

Like David, we are called to choose justice over retaliation. Like Paul and Silas, we are called to remain faithful even when obedience is costly. Like the disciples, we are invited to trust Christ when the wind is against us.

God’s greatest wonder is not that life is free from storms, but that He is present within them, faithfully accomplishing His purposes even when we cannot yet see the outcome.

Prayer

Lord, You alone do wondrous deeds. When I am surrounded by conflict, help me choose justice instead of revenge. When obedience is difficult, give me courage to remain faithful. When fear overwhelms me, remind me that You come to me even in the storm. Help me trust that You are at work, accomplishing Your good purposes in ways I cannot always see. Amen.