The Old Testament books of 1st and 2nd Chronicles tell the genealogy from Adam through the captivity of the Jews and exile of the Jews to Babylon. The books also have some accounts of events that occurred during this time.

In reading through a section about a battle engaged in by one of the Jewish tribes, the words in 1 Chronicles 5:20 made me think. It writes, “They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him.”

One message for us in this account is that believing and trusting God will answer our prayer, affects God’s response. Their trust in God was given as the reason he answered.

Dear Lord, sometimes it is difficult for us to believe that you will answer our prayers, particularly when we see no hope or solution from our mortal viewpoint. Help us remember to believe and trust that you have power over all things and can find a way even when we cannot see a way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I remember watching documentaries about the battle of Britain in World War 2, when the city of Britain was being bombed. I recall seeing the pictures of people in the underground bomb shelters huddled together, safe from the destruction that was occurring above them in the city, and even seeing people sleeping while they waited for the attack to end. The shelter provided them safety and as a result allowed them to rest.

Psalm 91:1,2 say, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord; He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God and I trust him.”

Similar to those going to the bomb shelters, we can go to God for safety. When we trust him, he will give us peace, and allow us rest even while difficult and distressing events may be occurring in our lives.

Dear Lord, It is comforting for us to know that we can come to you for shelter from the fears and sadness in life. Help us trust you to protect us, and share the peace that in brings us with others who may not know. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have you heard this prayer? “Dear Lord, please give me patience, and give it to me right now.”

Psalm 37:4 Says, “Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart’s desires.” however, the Psalm goes on in verse 7 to say “Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don’t be envious of evil men who prosper.” TLB

It is important to trust God’s timing and “rest” or stay in peace patiently while we wait for Him.

Dear Lord, Help us wait patiently for the things for which we desire and pray. Help us trust your timing knowing that you care for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Are you afraid to go in the basement with the lights off? Or take out the garbage late at night? Most of us have an inherent fear or uneasiness about the dark. Isn’t it interesting how with the lights on, the same basement is not scary, and there is no fear walking down the driveway in the daylight.

Jesus said in John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Our life without Jesus is like walking in the dark basement or dark night. The Devil, the ruler of this dark world, is working to keep us from finding the light. With Jesus, the light of the world, we do not need to fear the darkness.

Dear Lord, help us remember that following you is what lights our world and removes the fear of the unknown darkness. Help us share this light with others that they may know the peace it brings as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Years ago, when I was flying in the military, I remember being, “number one for takeoff” which is the first airplane next to the runway waiting. While waiting, a B1 Bomber was on the runway taking off. As it accelerated for takeoff with afterburners lit on its four engines, producing 120,000 lbs of thrust, the ground shook from the amazing power.

Paul writes about God’s power in Ephesians 1:19, “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead.” he goes on in verse 22, “God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.”

The most powerful thing we can imagine, like that B1 aircraft, is insignificant compared to the power of God who created everything. Even more amazing, is that God offers this power to each of us. The power to give us eternal life, and the power to overcome any challenges we may face in our lives.

Dear Lord, we cannot comprehend the magnitude of your power, but how grateful we are that we can call on you in our times of need. Help us remember to do so. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.