7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp. 8 He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. 9 He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. 10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; 11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

While Saul was still king of Israel, God sent the prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint David as the new king. When the sons of Jesse were presented to Samuel, he was sure that the first one was God’s chosen. God told him that he was not the one. Then God told Samuel that he was looking at the outward appearance instead of the heart. It is the heart that concerns God and makes each of us fit (or not fit) for his service.

Today, we place our trust in a political system or national power. We look to a person who can accomplish what we believe needs to be done. We look to superior tactics or weaponry to be victorious in our struggles. This is no different than when, in the Old Testament times, the Israelites would look to the nations around them to save them from their enemies. God often told them that he was in control and that only he could raise up or bring down the nations. God is still in control and it is he who can give strength and life to the nations that rule the world and it is he who can destroy them in his wisdom.

What we see is consistent with both individuals and nations. God blesses those who trust him. God is not dependent on man’s strength, wisdom, education, oratory, age or anything else that we might offer. God has a proven record of using those who trust him to carry out his plans. At times he uses those who are physically weak and unimpressive. At other times he uses those who seem to be “natural born” leaders. Since we cannot grasp his infinite wisdom and understanding, we cannot pass judgment on him. Our task is to trust him and thus open our hearts and our lives to his bidding. He has promised he will use us for his will. This, in turn, will give us a peace of mind that cannot be explained.

O Lord, giver and sustainer of life, I praise you for your greatness. I thank you for providing me with the daily necessities and then pouring your blessings on me beyond my needs. It is with a humble and grateful heart that I ask you to help me open my life to you and ask you to use me in your service. Give me wisdom to apply your will to my life and to be able to teach and encourage others to serve you also. Help me to be a blessing to those who are sick and hurting. I pray in the name of Jesus, my savior.

May God bless each of us as we joyfully serve him today.