Scripture
Listen to me you nations nearby and across the sea. I scattered the people of Israel, but I will gather them again.” (v.10)
Observation
It is interesting to see how often the word “I”, referring to the Lord is used in this passage. It is God who is in control of the nations. It is God who sent Israel into exile and it is God who will bring them back.
It is God who directs the affairs of nations. Men think they are in control. Governments, kings and presidents make their decisions but their authority ultimately comes from God alone.
Application
God is in control of the world's affairs and of national governments. He is also in control of my life. It is folly to think that I can live independently of God. Every part of my life is subject to His will.
Because God is good, and because He loves me, that means every part of my life has meaning and value. Even when I go through times of distress and grief, I can be confident that God has purpose in that time.
Prayer
Father, you ordain the days of my life. You oversee my comings and goings my triumphs and my failures, my relationships and my activities. Help me to see your hand in every circumstance of my life and to surrender my life to your purposes. Amen.
As you know, our government is changing and I don't think it's a change for the best. I've felt very compelled lately to pray for the government, that God would override their poor decisions or even better, motivate them to do what is right.
ReplyDeleteWe are told to pray for those who rule over us- Paul wrote that at a time when governments were quite evil by our standards.I don't think that christians by and large take that responsibility seriously enough. So it's good that you are praying, Lois.
ReplyDeleteThanks Keith. I've mentioned it to several people, I know my mum and dad are praying too, also my kids. I think it's important especially right now.
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