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November 28, 2012
Day 23
A Heavenly Hand
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Dear Praying Friend,
Today, as we continue our meditation of the seven penitential psalms, we find ourselves picking up in Psalm 38:1-22, with David petitioning the Lord to give him relief from his painful affliction. While David's suffering was the result of his own undoing, not all affliction is the result of disobedience. The early settlers and pilgrims endured tremendous hardship answering the call of God to come to this new world to build a "city on a hill" - a divine project to bring the light of the gospel message into the dark corners of the earth. Through all the challenges and difficulties of those early years they never failed to offer up their thanksgiving and praise to God, all the while keeping their eyes fixed on the Lord's promised plan. May we look to the heavenly hand that has been guiding us from the beginning and trust Him to lead us to the appointed end - whether by a gentle nudge or a painful pressing let us surrender our plans for the greater work established by His hand.
"Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:6-7)
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You for moving the hearts of our forefathers to endure the difficulties and challenges of this new world that they might lay a foundation of Truth for future generations to sing Your praises. We ask fogiveness for not remaining steadfast in the plans You placed upon their hearts, instead allowing that spiritual foundation to be buried beneath a mountain of lies, deceit, and immorality. We realize we are suffering today as the result of our own complacency. We ask that You would instill within us that same desire and drive to continue the work of building a "city on a hill" - a beacon of light to the world, regardless of the pain and difficulty that we will endure in the process of resurrecting those original blueprints. Father, may we consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds, knowing that the testing of our faith develops perseverance. Help us to persevere in the challenging days ahead of us as You bring to completion the work that You have begun. We will rejoice that we participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that we will be overjoyed when Your glory is revealed. All praise, glory, and honor belongs to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Steadfast in prayer,
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27:4
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Prayer Scripture References: Psalm 102:18; Philippians 1:6;
1 Thessalonians 5:24; James 1:2; 1 Peter 4: 12-13. |
