January 23, 2022 -- Psalm 28:6-9 -- Wound-binding, spirit-lifting praise

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

6 Blessed be the LORD!
    For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
    and with my song I give thanks to him.

8 The LORD is the strength of his people;
    he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
    Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 28:6-9 ESV

This sounds like a Psalm for the celebration of Sunday! As sinners, redeemed by Jesus’ blood and reconciled to the Father in heaven, it is appropriate to declare it over and over “He has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy!” It is true. It is the basis of all hope which is anchored in Jesus Christ.

Sunday after Sunday believers proclaim Jesus, the Shepherd, the strength and the One True shield of His people. He has protected, provided, rescued and supported His people—sometimes it is obvious. You can look back in the past week or month and nod, saying, surely the Covenant-Keeping God was my strength. Other times it is not so obvious, but will be the source of praise and joy in heaven when the blessedness of all that the LORD had done is made obvious to His chosen.

When things are going well—praise Him as your Savior. When things are sliding into ruin and chaos, praise Him as your saving refuge. He is not surprised by the disaster that is overtaking you. He Who spoke creation into order can with a word bring order out of the chaos of your life. He has proved this through history, He will prove this in your life also. Bring all your burdens to Him.
 

Mighty God, some of Your people kneel before You today, crying out “don’t be deaf to my cry, don’t turn Your back to me”! And for these brothers and sisters we add our voices and ask for Your mercy, Father of all compassion, answer them in tenderness which will soothe their hearts and reveal Your great power in the flood of their circumstances showing the gift of Jesus the Rock of Salvation and Safety when the storm rages.

Others among Your people face persecution and hardship unfamiliar and incomprehensible to the rest of us, and for these we pray do not drag them off with the wicked. Let the voice of their pleas rise to Your throne of grace. As they face such deep hardship, let their profound confidence in You convince jailors and interrogators of Your Splendor. Thank You, Father in heaven, for the power of Your Spirit, Who seals the hearts and lives of the persecuted, even to death, so that martyrs will know the power of Your eternal salvation.

Still others are numb. So tired of all the weariness of these last two years. Spent and exhausted, their weary hands are raised to heaven, begging for help. Spirit of All Comfort, revive the broken-hearted and those emotionally flatten so that the voices of all Your people may be joined together in a swelling anthem of praise!

You, LORD, are the strength of Your people; You, Jesus are the Shepherd of Your people; You, Spirit of the Living God, will guide Your people, even in the darkest night and most tortuous path until the light of Salvation shines through the darkness.

Thank You, God of all Glory, for the blessedness of the Sunday, a day of celebration, praise and renewing hope. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

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