I view very little of what this world offers me as something dependable; supply may be here today and gone tomorrow, so I place my hope and trust in God. I love and pray for this country, but I don’t place my trust in it. This country’s stability and economy is only as stable as the people governing are righteous…and that is a scary thought as we face inflation, rising interest rates, record high cost for groceries for less product, crime and theft tolerated and dismissed, and let us not forget we are sinking deeper and deeper into federal debt. I pray for those who are just barely getting by and seek to help those in my care who are financially struggling. How is this going to end well when, as a nation, we keep dismissing, dishonoring, and deposing God and his wise guidance for living?
I am sure grateful God’s economy—his distribution of grace to the faithful and obedient—is a sure thing. God alone is trustworthy; he is Truth. In our passage today, the psalmist reminds Israel, the fear of the Lord—adoration and obedient respect to his Word—is what brings good things to a nation. Think about it, God’s Word still sustains creation and people who honor the Lord dwell in his presence as he watches over all who live by his counsel (Ps 32:8). Trust is easy when you have Someone who truly loves and cares for you.
Today, we continue our 10 Days of Prayer; to pray for salvation and peace to come to Israel and the Middle East (Homs, Syria). Syria has struggled with great civil war and children have paid a terrible price. As well, we pray for our country to find itself “under” God.
Psalm 33:12-22 NLT
12
What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord,
whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.
13
The Lord looks down from heaven
and sees the whole human race.
14
From his throne he observes
all who live on the earth.
15
He made their hearts,
so he understands everything they do.
16
The best-equipped army cannot save a king,
nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.
17
Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—
for all its strength, it cannot save you.
18
But the Lord watches over those who fear him,
those who rely on his unfailing love.
19
He rescues them from death
and keeps them alive in times of famine.
20
We put our hope in the Lord.
He is our help and our shield.
21
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
for our hope is in you alone.
Prayer: Lord, we adore and worship you; there is no one like you in all the earth. You extend love and mercy to every human being and you call for us to love you wholeheartedly and love our neighbors like we love ourselves. This is such a selfish world. Please forgive us as a nation and help us, Holy Spirit, turn to your righteous guidance. We pray for Israel and Homs, Syria, as they deal with the remnants of civil war. Send your Spirit to wake us all up in Jesus’ name. Amen.