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“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” (Psalm 4:8, NLT)

We are reminded daily of the perils of our time: Disease, injury, war, pestilence, mayhem, shortages. . . It is enough to keep you up at night!

Times were just as tough and uncertain in David’s time (and his time was probably a good bit tougher that we have it today). Yet, David — the author of today’s psalm — declares that “in peace I will lie down and sleep.”

David did not derive his peace from his wealth, his military might, his physicians, or his own intelligence. His confidence was based entirely on God. We do well to do likewise. – Luther

Tagged confidence, David, peace of mind, the book of Psalms

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“They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.” (Ruth 1:4-5, NIV)

It is hard to imagine a more dire situation than the one described in today’s scripture: Death, young widowhood, exile to a foreign land, and bleak economic prospects. This story of Naomi and her two daughters-in-law doesn’t end there, but it does begin in pain and uncertainty.

(There is more to this story, of course; and I encourage you to read the four short chapters that comprise the book of Ruth — which takes less time to read than it takes to drink a glass of iced tea — for the rest of the story.)

Despite the dark outlook, Naomi, Ruth, Orpah, and others, nevertheless, persist in the practice of humility, hospitality, and honesty. Although they were not assured of a short-term positive outcome — none of us ever are — they are confident in God.

We show our confidence (another word for “faith”) in our heavenly Father — as did Naomi and the others — by persisting in humility, hospitality, and honesty, particularly in hard times. – Luther

Tagged confidence, honesty, hospitality, humility, Naomi, Ruth, the book of Ruth

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“Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.” (Exodus 1:8, KJV)

These 13 words describe how easily life can be transformed from mountaintop to valley; from “can do no wrong” to “can do nothing right”; from the big house to the dog house.

We do well to remain mindful of how quickly the externals of our life can change; and to grasp lightly our health, wealth, and personal relationships. Egypt — although gracious and hospitable for a time — was not God’s destination for the Children of Israel; a much better land awaited them. The “new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph” was the catalyst for the beginning of the next phase of God’s plan for the Israelites.

Changes await all of us, and some changes may not be welcome changes. Fear not. A change in circumstance provides the “elbow room” in our lives for the growth that is to come.

God did not desert the Children of Israel, even in their distress; and God will not desert the disciples of Jesus. As we are reminded in Romans 8: Nothing shall separate us from the love of God! – Luther

Tagged confidence, God's sovereignty, hope, the book of Exodus

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