Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - O GOD FORSAKE ME NOT

 

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - Day 233 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Ps. 119:49-104; Acts 23:12-35)

O GOD FORSAKE ME NOT

 

Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! (Psalm 38:21-22 ESV)  

In the Acts 23:12-35 reading for today, we see how God answered David’s prayer for the apostle Paul. Paul’s nephew reports a plot to kidnap Paul, and the tribune hustles him safely out of town.

The Lord will not forsake you either. He has a plan for your life too. 

I am personally clinging to this promise today as I undergo a heart valve replacement procedure. When members of the medial staff ask how I’m doing, my answer will be:

BLESSED BY THE LORD, FAR BETTER THAN I DESERVE.  Why do I answer that way? Because of my Baptism and the faith in Jesus the Holy Spirit has worked in me, I am convinced that God will not forsake me. It is all about trusting in our loving and saving God!

  1. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee;

Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and free.

  2. I am trusting Thee for pardon; At Thy feet I bow,

For Thy grace and tender mercy Trusting now.

  3. I am trusting Thee for cleansing In the crimson flood;

Trusting Thee to make me holy By Thy blood.

  4. I am trusting Thee to guide me; Thou alone shalt lead,

Ev'ry day and hour supplying All my need.

  5. I am trusting Thee for power; Thine can never fail.

Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me Must prevail.

  6. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Never let me fall.

I am trusting Thee forever And for all.

       (Lutheran Service Book #729)

Lord, please do not forsake me. Help me to stay close to You today through faith in Jesus. In His saving name.  Amen. 

Pastor David Paape