I Chronicles 16:8-11

Your Daily Bread yields some surprising treasures, such as with the November 27th devotional. “Facing the Battle,” highlighting I Chronicles 16. It was a significant moment in Israel’s history. The Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem during a time of peace between bitter battles. With the presence of sacred Ark, symbolizing the presence of Almighty God, David led God’s Chosen People in song. You’ll find it in I Chronicles 16:8-36. God’s people sang of the Lord God’s wonder-working power; His promises kept, and His past protection. “Seek the Lord and his strength,” they cried, “seek his face continually.” I Chronicles 16:11

“They need to,” quoted from Your Daily Bread, “because more battles were coming.”

March 15 seems like a lifetime ago. We’ve faced a plague such as no living American has even seen. Our social activities, particularly our churches, have undergone adaptations we would never imagine a year ago. Yet, through it all, our United Methodist congregations have met this catastrophic challenge, and are surviving. But we have not done it alone. “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness.” Chronicles16:29

Once more quoting from Our Daily Bread, “Look to the Lord and His strength. Seek His Face.” Sisters and Brothers, this is the only reliable strength, the only One, to whom we can turn to for wisdom and comfort and courage! We’ve faced a number of battles thus far, and thus far, have overcome them….even gotten stronger!
There are more battles to face and fight! The future of our Christian faith, and our United Methodism is in the balance. Our arms of flesh shall fail, but our clasped hands of prayerful resolve can and will succeed, “And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.” I Chronicles 16:35

Yes and Amen, we are not fighting for the cause of Jesus Christ alone, but we are in a battle against disease, dread and despair! One with God is always majority. Don’t be discouraged, even though the comfortable patterns and practices we’ve long practiced are almost a distant memory. What’s next and new is now! We will reflect the glory of God in Jesus Christ as we happily, prayerfully acknowledge the One to Whom we owe all. “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said. Amen, and praised the Lord.” I Chronicles 16:36