“Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:16-19, NIV)
Reflecting on the role of power and influence in our world, comedian Woody Allen said: “The race may not go to the swift, or victory to the strong, but that’s how you bet.”
Today’s reading, however, reminds us that although the wicked co-exist with the righteous — and often have the stronger hand — God is the champion of the righteous.
Were it not for the Lord God’s help, we would be dead. When we slip or stumble, God’s unfailing love supports us. When we are severely anxious, God’s consolation fills our dreadful heart with joy.
The odds-makers and betters will always prefer the swiftest and the strongest. The Lord God backs the slow and the weak, when they put their faith in Him. -Luther
Daily Encouragement 