Still The King

Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily. (Psalm 74:22) 
 
One news report called it “the single deadliest day for Christians in decades.” The pair of attacks on Sunday worshipers in April 2017 defies our understanding. We simply don’t have a category to describe bloodshed in a house of worship. But we can find some help from others who know this kind of pain well. 
 
Most of the people of Jerusalem were in exile or had been slain when Asaph wrote Psalm 74. Pouring out his heart’s anguish, he described the destruction of the temple at the hands of ruthless invaders. “Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations,” Asaph said (v. 4). “They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground” (v. 7). 
 
Yet the psalmist found a place to stand despite the awful reality—providing encouragement that we can do so too. “For God is my King of old,” Asaph resolved. “Working salvation in the midst of the earth” (v. 12). This truth enabled Asaph to praise God’s mighty power even though His salvation seemed absent in the moment. “Have respect unto the covenant,” Asaph prayed. “O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name” (vv. 20–21). 
 
When justice and mercy seem absent, God’s love and power are in no way diminished. With Asaph, we can confidently say, “But God is my King.” 
 
Lord, with the psalmist we pray for the honor of Your Name. Show Yourself strong and compassionate. Rise up and defend Your cause. Amen. 
 
When I read this devotion I thought, what a way to start your day!! But God is my King! No matter what you face today remember these words, But God is my King. No matter the outcome, But God is my King!! When justice and mercy seem absent, But God is my King! Find joy today in what is and don’t focus on the what if’s. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is James 1:2-3