Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

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Read

Psalm 3 (NRSV)

O LORD, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
many are saying to me,
“There is no help for you in God.” Selah

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
I cry aloud to the LORD,
and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
I am not afraid of ten thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.

Rise up, O LORD!
Deliver me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.

Deliverance belongs to the LORD;
may your blessing be on your people! Selah

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Reflect

We may be down, but don’t count us out! Sometimes it seems as though we are down for the count. It may appear that we are defeated by those who oppose us. Those who are against us will surely overpower us. How could they not, when they outnumber us and are stronger than we are?

We probably should be afraid. We should probably stay awake and pace the floor at night, with all of the uncertainty and danger surrounding us. But we will come through better than they expect. They don’t know what we have always known: The Lord is our shield. The Lord answers our prayers. The Lord is our Deliverer. The Lord takes care of our enemies. And, the Lord protects us, provides for us, and preserves us. Thanks be to God!

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Pray

Eternal God, what an assurance to know that you never leave us nor forsake us! How blessed we feel, knowing that you are with us to defend us always. Thank you! Amen.

Go with God.