I love you, Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:1-2 NIV
It started like a normal COVID/ Washington DC meltdown kind of day. I think we all understand what I mean. It is strange how in just 10 months or so there are constants in our life that seem very odd. I was at my desk preparing for our noon hour prayer here at the church when I got a text from a pastor friend. Psalm 18:1-2! At first, I thought it was for me alone. Simple, yet powerful encouragement. I love God and I am strong in Him! My God is solid! I can trust Him to help me, save me. I am safe in Him! I replied thanks and went on with my preparation.
Shortly after, my phone started to get busy with text messages coming from people in the church whose COVID/ Washington DC meltdown kind of day got very personal. The chaos that we continue to see manifesting in our country hit their back yards. Sometimes it takes me a bit to realize that this is not your typical, “Hey Pastor, could you pray for me?” experiences. Not that those are not valid. They are extremely important. But what I am talking about is when you realize there is a pattern that negatively effects the flock you are given to care for. You hear the news that a wolf has been spotted. You look out in your pasture and realize, yep... its right there and it is chasing sheep trying to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) So at about the third or fourth text, I realized God didn’t give that word for only me, He equipped me with Psalm 18:1-2 to give to others. It was a message to remember... “I love God and I am strong in Him! My God is solid! I can trust Him to help me, save me. I am safe in Him!” I began to distribute this weapon of the Holy Word to those I was praying for.
This particular day may be an avalanche of bad news, but God was working way ahead of the situation. When I woke up, I was not expecting this wave of gloom. I was thinking it would be more about praying our nation through to sanity again. However, God was already on the job when He gave my pastor friend a word that he was led to share with me. Through my friend, God was giving me the spiritual weapon to put into the hands of those whose backyards had a wolf. With this word they could now stand in truth and the victory that declares... “I love God and I am strong in Him! My God is solid! I can trust Him to help me, save me. I am safe in Him!”
I know it is hard right now for many. Good news is hard to find. It does look like the enemy is getting the upper hand and allowed to not only win some battles, but also taunt us as he is doing it. But think about this. The enemy may be doing the Pee Wee Shuffle in your face, but I can promise you our God is right behind him about to put a smack down on his chaotic tail. Remember the cross? Jesus is there hanging by three nails and a crown of thorns on His head. His body is beaten beyond recognition. He gives His last breath saying “It is finished!” The devil rejoices. He won, or so he thinks. Discouragement and hopelessness taunt the disciples for three days. Tears are cried. Plan “B’s” are considered. But then something happens. (Side note here... is anyone my age, 50’s and above thinking of the song from Carmen, The Champion? If not, look it up. You will enjoy it.) Jesus is not dead! He is not unaware! The power of the Holy Spirit fills the tomb and up from the grave Jesus arose! God loves us!
Do not get discouraged just because the COVID / Washington DC spirit of fear and chaos seems to still be in operation. God reminds you today... “He is strong in us! He is solid! He has come to rescue us, save us and we are now safe in Him!”