But let all who take refuge in you [O God] be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
The last several years have not been easy for believers. Persecution around the world is at an all-time high. In the United States, some mass murderers targeted those who believed in God. Though executed for their faith, their witness to the Lord has been as inspiring. We have many choices when faced with such shocking brutality. Shock probably should not be among them. This is a form of an old horror, going back to the earliest days of the Christian community. It originated long before the days of Jesus when our Jewish heroes were persecuted for two reasons: they believed in the One true God and were Jewish by race. I believe it's time we start praying this ancient prayer from today's Scripture again. When we pray, let's remember that no matter what others may do to us, they cannot separate us from God, his love, and the deliverance he holds for us in his future.
My Prayer...
Almighty God, please bless our world with a season of peace. Bless us with a respite from the horrors Satan has afflicted on your children through the hatred of men. Please give us the courage, in peace or in persecution, to be open about our faith, generous with our forgiveness, and steadfast in our hope. Finally, Father, please bless those whose loved ones were martyred or persecuted because of their faith in you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
"Dear Father, guardian of the free, May we never use freedom as a pretext for evil or as an excuse for indulging sinful desires. Rather, grant that..."
"[After the return of the people of Judah from Babylon, this is what the Lord said about them,] "They made their hearts as hard as stone, so they could not hear...."
"Divine love is rendered conspicuous when it shines in the midst of judgments. Fair is that lone star which smiles through the rifts of the thunder..."
![Illustration of Psalm 5:11 — But let all who take refuge in you [O God] be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/2994.jpg "Illustration of Psalm 5:11 — But let all who take refuge in you [O God] be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.")
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