“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” Psalm 46:10,11 NKJV
He says, “Stop your striving and recognise that I am God. I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!” 11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is on our side! The God of Jacob is our stronghold! (Selah) Psalm 46:10,11 NET
God of Jacob,
Stop your striving says the New English Translation of Psalm 46:10. I like that Lord God. Yet Jacob strived or actually wrestled with You. He refused to let go till You blessed him! (Genesis 32:24-29) What an awesome picture. Jacob a devious character, far from perfect . . . You were were willing to come and struggle with fallen mankind. Later even allowing us to put Your Son to death. Jesus wrestled with death and evil and overcame it all for us. Striving or resting You are with us,
But we do not have to strive to be holy. But we do need to strive against the devils wiles and not take it for granted. Today we come as we are. Unable to rid ourselves of sin. Devastated by the state of the world. The attitudes and disagreement of world leaders, politicians, and neighbouring countries. We see how fragile mankind and society is, how fickle money is and how dependant we are on each other for peace. And above all how much we need You.
So where are You? Today help us to quieten ourselves, be still, stop striving, being annoyed, angry and frustrated. You are still God. Every generation has had sin, conflict and trouble. This is our time to live what we believe. You are still God and still striving with man for good. And we know the ending.
In Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
God of Jacob,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government. Lords and commons. Civil Servants. Local councillors
For Ukraine and Russia. For Israel, Lebanon, the Middle East.
For those who have polluted the land and water to desire to strive to put it right.
For the generations growing up now to develop the leaders and peace makers of tomorrow.
For the church worldwide to worship in safety and grow and spread peace making.
For us to find stillness, calmness and reassurance during today and hear Your small still voice of calm.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 27th October 2024
We have had this before a long while ago . . . Not a well known song but a prophetic one that asks the kind of questions that go through our minds . . . then answers then in surety and faith.
Where Oh where’s Your presence O God?
In this dry and weary land
So many people drifting away
How we need to understand…
You’re still God
Even when we’re unbelieving
Still God
When we’re desperate for our healing
Still God, you’re still God, you’re still God.
You’re still God
Even when our friends desert us
Still God
Even through the things that hurt us
Still God, still God
So I will be still, and know You are God.
Where O where’s Your kingdom O God?
We have let holiness go
So many idols litter our land
We’ve got to let this nation know…
You’re Still God
When the government has no answers
Still God
When the media lowers the standard
Still God, you’re still God, you’re still God
You’re still God
When the plans we make are worthless
Still God
When we lose our sense of purpose
Still God, You’re still God,
So I will be still, and know You are God.
When will Jesus really be seen
Through the church that bears his name
Agents of his kingdom, his peace
In the world for which he came
You’re still God
Even though You were rejected
Still God
Though You were ridiculed, deserted
Still God, you’re still God, you’re still God
You’re still God
Though You suffered execution
Still God
You’re alive and Christ our champion
Still God, still God
So I will be still, and know You are God
Godfrey & Gill Birtill, Geraldine Latty & Tim Lomax
CD: Passport2Worship, Kingsway Music