I know that there has been so much said on media and social media about the events that took place over last few days. I'm sure there will be much more said in the days ahead. I have been reading God's Word and praying about all that has taken place, not just the last few days but also what has been happening for a long time in our country and in our world. God's Word reminds us that we are all sinners. God's Word remind us that the wages of sin is death. Sin separates us from God, and sin separates us from one another. Sin ushers in division and destruction and death.
I love the words found in Psalm 71:1-6... 1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. 3 Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. 5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. 6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you.
I don't have a lot of answers to the problems in our world, especially in our own country today, but I know what I can do today and in the days ahead: I can PRAY, REPENT, and LOVE. I can pray to my Sovereign Lord and know that He hears me. I can repent of my sin and know that God will forgive me and purify me of all unrighteousness. I can love God and love people. Yes, I can do these things. These are choices I can make today and each and every day the Lord gives me. As I have reflected over the past few days, I have come to a couple of conclusions. It seems to me that we have longed for the PRESENTS of this world in our lives more than we have longed for the PRESENCE of God in our lives. It seems to me that we have settled for discipleship that comes from the WORLD rather than discipleship that comes from the WORD of God.
Psalm 71:14 goes on to say, "14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." That is my prayer today. Lord, thank You for being my hope and for always being my hope. Lord, help me to praise you more and more, regardless of the circumstances. Thank You, Sovereign Lord, for Your life, death, and resurrection! Thank You, Sovereign Lord, for the victory that I can stand in and rely on each and every day of my life on this earth. Thank You, Sovereign Lord, for kingdom citizenship that will never spoil, fade, or perish. I am Yours, and You are mine! Yes, I will praise you more and more! Amen.
