Today's eDevotional

for Saturday January 28, 2012

Text for the Day -- Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the LORD;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
"Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth."
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Devotional
This text is a stirring psalm of strength and confidence in God. The closing verses of this psalm calls for a vulnerable posture on our part to deepen our awareness of God's strength and power. "Be still and know that I am God". The image behind this Hebrew word for "still" is openness, laying down your weapons, letting God come close. It calls for a sense of intimacy with God that will demonstrate God's loving and powerful care. Quiet yourself now for a few moments. Open your heart, let down your inner guard and ask God to bless you with God's quiet and strengthening peace.

Prayer
You have drawn near to me, O God, strengthen my courage to open my inner life to you. Amen

Richard Beckmen, executive editor of eDevotionals and Announcements is a Lutheran pastor and writes about prayer and spirituality. He is author of A Beginners Guide to Prayer, Praying for Wholeness and Healing, and has developed a daily devotional program for married couples.

Scripture quotation is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.