Day 3: Faithful and unchanging
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way (Psalm 46:2).
We come into Your holy presence, faithful God, praising You with the words of Ethan the Ezrahite: "I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that Your love stands firm forever, that You have established Your faithfulness in heaven itself" (Psalm 89:1-2).
You are God of the ages, sovereign and mighty, faithful and unchanging. You are our Rock...our faithful God (Deuteronomy 32:4) our only constant in escalating changes, turmoil, and upheaval.
More and more in our times we recognize the shifting and unpredictable nature of so much around us—we see new mysteries in natural and physical phenomena, increasing social and economic instability, and irregularities in systems, structures, networks and establishments. But Your word has always cautioned us against false security.
David, in prayerful query and response speaks of what is required to dwell in Your holy presence, "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god" (Psalm 24:3-4).
Lord, You have asked us to have no other gods but You. We thank You for our livelihood, and all the benefits that we enjoy. But keep us mindful that the things of this world constantly change and shift. Help us not to make idols or false gods of them. Help us not to stake our joy, our identity, and our peace on them and so become unraveled when they give way around us.
You, Father, have given us solid footing in the Lord Jesus, according to Your trustworthy promise: So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic" (Isaiah 28:16).
Faithful and unchanging God, help us to rely only You, knowing that our life and our times are in Your hand (Psalm 31:15). Help us never to be stricken with panic, even though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging (Psalm 46:2-3).
Help us to believe and trust You. In all the turmoil and chaos You are God. You alone are our refuge and our strength (Psalm 46:1).
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