Excerpt from Psalm 20

"Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses, but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God."

Reflection by Ron Buford

If the Bible teaches us anything, it is that might and power do not always win the day – even if they seem to for a while. Moses led the children of Israel across the dry ground of the parted Red Sea with chariots and soldiers in pursuit -- soldiers who, when the waters began to suddenly flow back, drowned under the sheer weight of their armament.  Using a mere slingshot and a smooth stone, the small shepherd boy David assuaged the trembling and paralyzing fears of the Israelites, slaying the giant Goliath who had long terrorized the Israelites with booming voice, size and armor. Jesus, a poor peasant carpenter, ultimately disestablished the powerful Roman and Jewish authorities who, thought they could end his influence and power by executing him.  But God resurrected Jesus and made him a force more powerful than his enemies or followers could ever have imagined.

Is there some situation or power causing you anxiety or grief today? Know that it is subservient to the power of God and your ability to overcome your own fear of its power in your life. Embrace God’s love for you, God’s willingness to get involved on your behalf – even if you've made mistakes. Expect results.

Prayer

Gracious God, I am afraid in this situation. Help me to put my trust in you. Help me do everything in my power to change things in positive ways. Help me act, not out of powerlessness, immobility, anger, fear, gossip, or retribution. Instead, O God, help me to plan and live for victory and success. Oh, and until it comes, please give me the strength to wait for it. In the name of Jesus, the resurrected One by whom and in whom we are all continually resurrected. Amen.

About the Author Ron Buford, former coordinator of the UCC's God is still speaking campaign, consults with religious and nonprofit organizations, leads workshops, and preaches in churches across the U.S. and U.K. Ron also appears in the DVD-based progressive theology series, Living the Questions 2.0.

The Daily Devotional is now on Facebook. Become a fan!

Sign up to receive Daily Devotionals

More items written by the Stillspeaking Writers' Group