Psalm 21; Isaiah 41:14-20; Romans 15:14-21 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 21; Isaiah 41:14-20; Romans 15:14-21 on biblegateway.com
Devotion
What reversal of fortune the people of Israel experienced. Once the envy of their neighbors, they now languished in exile – devoid of land, identity and future. God knew they felt powerless and vulnerable, like bugs waiting to be crushed underfoot. Isaiah invited them to view their lives from “above the circle of the earth” where God sits and everybody looks “like grasshoppers” (Isaiah 40:22). Human power is transient. What remains constant is God’s presence with and provision for his people, whatever their circumstances may be.
Prayer
Gracious God, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves today, hold us by the hand. Quench our thirst. Grant us rest in the shade that you provide. And may we see and know and understand that it is your hand that has done it. Amen.