Wednesday June 21, 2023

Today is Wednesday, June 21 and we are studying what the Bible says about God our Help.

As I enter this time of prayer, I pause and become still. I slow my breathing and focus myself on the God who loves me – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, guide me on this pilgrim journey. Make me attentive to your ways, teach me your will, strengthen my steps and lift my spirits as I travel this day with you. Amen.

In the morning, I praise God and rejoice with the words of Psalm 33.

We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22

Pause and Pray

After decades of wilderness wanderings, Joshua established the people of Israel in the land God promised them. At Shechem, he called the community together to renew their commitment to God and to his Covenant. Joshua reminded them of their long history and what God had done for them at every stage. God was with them and rescued them. He reminded them they were once slaves in Egypt until God answered their cries for help. Then Joshua read them all the words of the Law and asked them to make a firm decision who they will serve.

Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I afflicted the Egyptians by what I did there, and I brought you out. When I brought your people out of Egypt, you came to the sea, and the Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horsemen as far as the Red Sea. But they cried to the LORD for help, and he put darkness between you and the Egyptians; he brought the sea over them and covered them. You saw with your own eyes what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the wilderness for a long time. Joshua 24:5-7

I reflect on the Israelites led out of Egypt by Moses and Aaron, finally leaving the cruel slavery of their taskmasters behind. Ready to begin a journey to the Promised Land, the mighty waters of the Red Sea stood before them and the chariots and horsemen of the Egyptian army came barreling down behind them to destroy them. They were between a rock and a hard place. There was no way forward and no way back. I consider the times in my life when I have been unable to see a way and God has made a way – perhaps over, under, around or through. Big or small, I consider where I need God’s help today.

Ask: How has God helped me in the past? How do I need God’s help today?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord God, thank you for bringing me out of my places of captivity. Thank you for your great faithfulness to me and my loved ones. Thank you for making a way when there appeared to be no way. You have surely heard my cries for help in the past and I can trust you to hear me today. I turn all my worries to you this morning. I read the words from Joshua again and listen for the message you have for me.

Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I afflicted the Egyptians by what I did there, and I brought you out. When I brought your people out of Egypt, you came to the sea, and the Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horsemen as far as the Red Sea. But they cried to the LORD for help, and he put darkness between you and the Egyptians; he brought the sea over them and covered them. You saw with your own eyes what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the wilderness for a long time. Joshua 24:5-7

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

In my current circumstances I consider what stands before me that seems impossible to cross. What is the Red Sea that forms a barrier to the goodness that God promises. In my current circumstances I consider what pursues me from behind. Who are the chariots and horsemen threatening me with their might? What are the foes and enemies in my life who want to prevent my freedom from captivity? The Red Sea in front and the Egyptians behind – I can see no way. God Almighty can make a way.

Pause and Pray

Lord God, I trust you with the problems and struggles of each day. I know that I am not alone and you are with me. You care about the details of my daily life and are willing to help me as I look to you for aid. Come and remind me of the blessings of your presence as I walk through this day holding on to your mighty hand. Amen.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I leave this time of prayer holding the hand of God my helper. I go in his strength to help others in Jesus’ name.

Amen