This was the text of the email devotion from Lutheran Deaconess Association today. God of Hope But you, O Lord, are a shield around me…” Ps. 3:3 “I don’t understand why all of these things keep happening to me. This isn’t the way life is supposed to be.” The young man felt that, in some way, God was either punishing or testing him beyond his limits. He hated his job, his wife had serious health issues; he was sinking into the depths of despair. As he put it, he couldn’t seem to “catch a break.” And how could I respond but to turn to scripture for guidance? King Davids problems were overtaking him as his son, Absalom, in rebellion sought to kill him. His overwhelming despair begins in Psalm 3 with, “How many are my foes! Many are rising against me!” But David continues, and guides us, too, as we minister to others: “But you, O Lord, are a shield around me...” When I am down and feeling defeated, it is God who lifts my head to give me hope in the midst of despair; for God is a God of hope and promise. Prayer: God of hope, be our shield and guide us as we minister to the defeated and despairing. Help us show that in the midst of despair you provide hope and in the face of defeat, your promise lives. Amen. Deacon Steve Arnold, St. Anthony Village, MN
Posted on: Thu, 17 Jul 2014 23:04:04 +0000
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