Prayer: Father, the psalmist makes some marvelous claims and acknowledgements about You today which sound very contemporary in nature. I pray that You are the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow to us and for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reading: Psalm 46 key: 7-8
7 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms totter,
He utters His voice, the earth melts!
8 Adonai–Tzva’ot is with us.
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
Attention: Todays key reference sounds very contemporary. I remember as a boy, the tension and national fear about the Cuban missile crisis. If you are not old enough to be familiar, Russia was discovered to be building launching pads for rockets or missiles in Cuba. Russian freighters were transporting missiles to Cuba and surveillance photos were disseminated showing ships in port, docked, and being unloaded. In counter, Russia wanted us to take our missiles out of Italy and Turkey to avoid nuclear war. They reached an agreement and both sides backed down.
The situation is much the same today. It is not being reported to us, but Russia’s concern on Ukraine is if Ukraine becomes a UN member, there will be U.S. missiles in Ukraine, and too close for comfort. I have heard rumbles that Russia would counter with placing missiles in Venezuela. Ukraine is more critical and strategic than we are being told.
Here are the words of comfort from the psalmist, “He (Adonai), makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear. He burns chariots with fire.” Adonai is our hope. The psalmist also acknowledges, “Adonai-Tzva’ot is with us. The God of Jacob is our strong tower. Selah (vs. 12).”
Action: I trust in the One who makes wars cease.
Yield: I yield in prayer, to Adonai who is with me.
Engage: I am engaged when I reach out to Adonai in prayer.
Relationship: I am in full relationship with Adonai when I abide in Him.
Prayer: Father, You are my hope. There is nothing but despair and hopelessness apart from You. In You alone, I place my trust. Amen.
Memory Verse: Psalms 46:2-4
2 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
3 Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth change,
though the mountains topple into the heart of the seas,
4 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains quake at their swelling. Selah
Music Video: Know (Be Still) – Jeremy Riddle (Acoustic) Lyrics
Remember, “Abide in Jesus, today!”