"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)
Sunday, November 24, 2024 - Day 328 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Ezekiel 27,28; James 4)
Fear and Trembling and PEACE
Psalm 55:4-5, 8
My heart is in anguish within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me... I would hasten to my place of refuge from the stormy wind and tempest.
Our response to the tragedies of life is like that of David: “My heart is in anguish within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me.”
Is there a rat of hope for us today? Verse 8: “I would hasten to my place of refuge from the stormy wind and tempest.” Later in this chapter (Psalm 55:22), he defines our place of refuge this way: "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."
The Lord Jesus Himself offers us hope with these words:
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Matthew 11: 28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
One of my favorite hymn verses is a prayer that our Lord Jesus would do precisely what He promises to do.
Lord Jesus, who dost love me,
Oh, spread Thy wings above me
And shield me from alarm!
Though evil would assail me,
Thy mercy will not fail me:
I rest in Thy protecting arm.
(“Now Rest Beneath Night’s Shadow,” The Lutheran Hymnal #554)
Heavenly Father, we do not understand why this evil tragedy had to happen. What we do understand is Your promise to lead us through times likes this. Let Your holy angels watch over us, our families, our communities and the world so that the wicked foe may have not power over us. In Jesus’ comforting and saving name. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!
Pastor David Paape
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