“O God, arrogant men have risen up against me, and a band of violent men have sought my life, and they have not set You before them. But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.” (Psalm 85:14-15)

There are the strongmen of this world who seek for the lives of the faithful. There are those who for a time prosper at the expense of the lowly. Yet You, O Lord, are above all, and in Your mercy, You watch over all and keep things moving as they need to move. Help me, O Lord, to live humbly in Your presence and see in You the hope of every generation that I may abide in Your presence.

The Lord knows every hair on our head and nothing will come our way that He is not aware of. He is not far off as some think, but always present. Come into His presence and know His comfort. Yes, some things may happen that you do not understand, but He has promised that all things work together for good for those who love Him. Come and find your rest in Him.

Lord Jesus, You met some strongmen who took Your life, yet it was for the purpose of our salvation. Guide my mind to understand that You hold all things together and know all things that will happen. Lead me to simply trust in You always knowing that in You alone is the eternal hope of salvation. Guide me this day to humbly accept what I can and trust for all else knowing that I am in Your hands. Amen.

“Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; those who would destroy me are powerful, being wrongfully my enemies; what I did not steal, I then have to restore. O God, it is You who knows my folly, and my wrongs are not hidden from You.” (Psalm 69:4-5)

Isn’t it amazing how many people find reasons to hate? This is the bane of sin in our world, looking for reasons to hate. And then they mask it to make their hatred seem reasonable. God is love and those who are in the Lord learn to love. This is a clear marker to see whether one is in the Lord, but do so for your own sake and not as a judgement of the other. Do not hate, but love.

Lord, I have the infection of hatred which is loose in the world. Keep me from the folly of this world which has an excuse for everything. Guide me in Your never-changing principles so that I hold fast to the truth that You are love and You command me to love my neighbors as myself. Bring me over the hurdles that get in the way of fulfilling Your commandments that I would love as You love.

Lord Jesus, in love You came to lead all who believe to become like You. Move me away from my notions of what love is to see in You the hope of every generation. Guide me as Your disciple to learn and grow as You would have me learn and grow. Help me now and always to hold fast to Your teachings and not overreact to this world of sinners bent on hating and not loving. Amen.

“To Him who rides upon the highest heavens, which are from ancient times; behold, He speaks forth with His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His majesty is over Israel And His strength is in the skies. O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people.  Blessed be God!” (Psalm 68:33-35)

From before what we know as time God was. He who has always been holds all strength and power. All history is before His eyes and He sees all things. Power and majesty are His. Do not think lightly nor trivially of the Lord. Know that the One in whom all things have their being watches and sees all that goes on in the earth. They are all His and He is to be forever blessed by His creation.

Lord I often do not give you a first thought let alone a second thought. Help me open my eyes and see the reality You have placed me in. Guide my heart to see spiritually and clearly that You alone are the Sovereign of the ages. Lead me to see in You the hope of every generation. You are the past, the future and everything in between. Guide me into truth that I would walk in the way of truth now and forever.

Lord Jesus, the truth made flesh, let me both hear and see Your life in mine. You have revealed the glory of the Father that those who believe may walk in light. Guide my footsteps to walk humbly in Your sight, knowing that only in You is the hope of glory now and forever. Lead me deeper in the way of life that You have established that I may now and always be kept wholly in You. Amen.