Tuesday October 17, 2023

Today is Tuesday, October 17 and we are studying what the Bible says about help.

As a new day dawns, I seek the presence of the God who loves me. I quiet my mind, slow my breathing and center my soul on the Lord – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, lead and guide me on this day’s journey. Take my hand and show me the way to go, speak your truth into the ears of my soul, and shine your light on the good path. Watch over all my comings and goings. Amen.

God is my helper. I rejoice in his goodness and praise him with the ancient words of Psalm 121.

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:2-4

Pause and Pray

Christians are not promised an absence of trouble in this world. There are no magic protection bubbles for the problems, worries and hardships of life. All of us are subject to uncertainty, danger and threats. What shall we say in response to these things? To be a Christian in the first century was difficult and dangerous. The Roman church was suffering mounting persecution and the fledgling group of believers was under duress and facing peril. In the book of Romans, Paul cites a list of impending hazards – and asks, “What shall we say in response to these things?” Paul provides an answer, a word from the Lord.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:31b-35,37

As I consider Paul’s words to the early Roman church, I realize I have my own list of dangers and fears both large and small. I pause to label each worry, concern, problem or threat. I name what causes me to be anxious or afraid. I list what threatens to separate me from God and his love. I name whatever seeks to harm me or my family. I name those who are against me. I consider the places in my life where I currently experience trouble, hardship, forms of persecution, types of hunger, exposure, illness, disease, danger or even threat of death.

Ask: What shall I say in response to these things? If God is for me, who can be against me?

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, thank you for reminding me that I am not alone. No matter what I face in this life, you are with me and you are for me. At any moment I can draw near to you for the strength and assurance I need. I put my faith and trust in you. I am utterly confident you hear my prayers and will respond in good time. You are powerful, you are mighty, you are wise, you are merciful, you love me and you are for me! I read the words from Romans again and listen for the message you have for me.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:31b-35,37

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God loved me so much that he gave his only Son for me. I can have faith that he wants the best for me and my family. I trust that he will graciously give me good things. God chose me, justified me and is sanctifying me. I am restored in right relationship with God and renewed in love through grace. There is no condemnation for me because of Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross, was raised to life, sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for me. For me. No one and nothing can ever separate me from the love of Jesus. I am more than a conqueror in every form of trial, temptation and tribulation because of the love of Jesus Christ.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, I invite you to speak your truth into the depths of my soul and shine your promises into the shadowy doubts of my mind. Give me the heart of a conqueror, the strength of a warrior, the confidence of an overcomer, and the faith of a champion to confront every challenge in this earthly life. Amen.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

I leave this time of prayer encouraged by the promises of Christ. I go to love, encourage and strengthen others.

Amen