Scripture
I will listen to what God the Lord says;
he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
but let them not turn to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps
Reflection
Today’s passage comes after the author pleading God to restore, to revive his people and, in the expectation of answered prayers, the author talks about the immeasurable consequences and blessings of hearing and obeying what God says; yet there is a warning for people to not to return to foolish ways.
The reality of God’s blessings is still valid, whether collectively or in our personal walk with God.
He speaks peace over those who are faithful;
He brings salvation to those who fear Him;
He gives what is good and brings forth fruitfulness.
“Freed from the curse, the grateful garden gives
Its fruit in goodly revenue. Nor frost,
Nor blight, nor mildew fall, nor cankerworm,
Nor caterpillar, mar one ripening hope.
The clouds drop fatness. The very elements
Are subject to the prayerful will of those
Whose pleasure is in unison with God’s.”
Charles H. Spurgeon
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in your current situation
Prayer
Acutely aware as I am that the Enemy wants to attack my breath, I take a few deep defiant breaths now in God’s presence, consciously exhaling fear, quietly receiving his Spirit afresh into my body, rejoicing that the breath of God brings hope not harm, health not sickness and life to the full.
