Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 46:1-6
Ps 46:1-6
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
Rom 13:1-2
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Too often we think of God as being so big and so great and that he is far away in some place we call heaven so he doesn’t know or see about what is going on here on earth. Nothing could be more wrong. Yes, he is above the universe because he spoke it into existence. There is nothing beyond his ability to control, so he is indeed great beyond our imagination. But Jesus said he sees each sparrow that falls to the ground. He feeds the animals in the field and clothes the flowers and the grass in splendor above that of King Solomon.
God gave us the governments of the world. Each has its place, its time and its purpose in the mind and plan of God. Some object to this because of the extreme wickedness of some world leaders or because of the laws that have been enacted that are contrary to the morality given by God; even in our own country. But we see in the Old Testament how God used wicked rulers and wicked governments (some ruthless beyond what we can imagine today) for his purposes.
As children of God and citizens of his spiritual nation, our first allegiance is to him and to his laws. However, he tells us to be good citizens and respect those he has put in power, even when we don’t agree. Paul says we should pray for our leaders so that we may have quiet lives and God will be glorified.
Heavenly Father, I come to you this morning with sorrow that our country (and so many others) do not have leaders that respect you or your will. I know you are far above them and you control them, even though they do not realize it. Please give them your wisdom and guide them so we can live quiet and peaceful lives but when this is not possible, please give me strength to stand for your word, your truth and your values. I pray in the name of my king, Jesus.
Robert
