Weekly Devotional by Carolyn Rex

“Psalm 94: 16-19
“Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evil-doers? Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

Only a couple of weeks into 2021, and already the headlines are reminding us of the evil that is in the world. As I contemplate this, while emerging from a Christmas season during which my family experienced a major loss, a line from the carol “Joy to the World” comes to mind: “No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found.” We all cry out to God in our personal and collective pain, don’t we? But then we must draw on God’s compassion, peace and protection from the only true threat to us as His children.

I’m comforted and inspired by these words from author Beth Moore:

“God always protects His children. Yes, often from the physical threats of the world around us, but always in the unseen realm where demons hiss and the gates of hell quake. Our feet do not slip in a world so real, so vivid, that ours is a shadow by comparison. The Lord lets no harm befall us in the world where the truest threats lie.”

Heavenly Father, Help us to remember that our time here on earth is temporary, and to keep our focus on you as we endure trials, always trusting in your eternal love and protection. In Jesus name, Amen.”

-Carolyn Rex