Today’s scripture is found in the book of Psalms, Chapter 27:14. I referenced several translations as I meditated on this verse.

The New English Translation reads like this: “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident. Rely on the Lord!”.

The New International Version uses the word “wait” instead; the New Living Translation says “Wait patiently for the Lord” and the common English says, “Hope in the Lord”. So, we have Rely; Wait; Wait patiently and Hope in the Lord. Perhaps one more version might help us even more. In this version, we hear “Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again, stay with God!”. All of these words are active and require or suggest our participation is required.

The state of our world, our country, the state where I live, and even our small county are facing a very difficult reality. Anger, hate, violence, greed and lack of concern for our world or others are reported everywhere. Every form of media blasts us with “bad news”, sometimes painful and almost unbearable news. Our hearts are heavy, sad and anxiety is waiting to overtake us. This is a time to focus on today’s scripture.

It appears this Psalm was written by King David, likely during a very difficult time, maybe even a time when he was truly afraid. Whatever was going on in David’s life, he wrote these words to convey his never-failing trust, his confidence in God. He has faith, real faith and believes God will protect him even in his worst days.

How do these words speak to us today? We are living in very concerning times. It feels as though there is an undercurrent bubbling up, ready to sweep us all away. Some of us have gone quiet seeking God’s wisdom and guidance silently with no one else in mind. Some of us share our concerns and fears with our families or very close friends seeking affirmation for our views. Another group speaks out freely and often with anger, frustration and fear in a much more public way to rally others to action. None of these approaches are wrong.

However, none of them seem to match the message of today’s scripture: Rely on the Lord!; Wait on the Lord!; Hope in the Lord!; Be strong and confident! And especially “Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again. Stay with God!”

When you reflect on how we are facing the issues, we aren’t fully relying on God, waiting on God or hoping in the Lord. We are expressing our anxiety, our fear, our failure to hope. We must stay with God, be focused on God, trust God and remember He is in control. We must remain strong and confident. Will we understand the path? NO. Will we struggle to remain strong and confident? It is likely. Reminder…. We are told NOT to quit. So, as God’s children, we will try again, over and over, to listen, to follow, to love and especially to take heart and not quit.

I plan to renew my focus, my trust, and my eXorts to love in a way that draws others to Christ, to His love and strength, to powerful hope that only He can provide. I invite you to join me. Stay with God!

Lord of all, we come to you with fears and anxiety, asking that you calm those fears and provide us with the confidence to trust you. In turning to you, we find hope and peace even in dark times. Thank you for loving us in every moment and providing us with the gift of hope. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Lisa Blackwood.

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