KEY VERSE
“The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul” (Ps. 121:7).
TODAY’S READING:
Psalms 121:1-8
ONE-YEAR BIBLE STUDY PLAN
Esther 1-5
COMMENTARY
On August 4, 2020, a massive explosion rocked Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, killing at least 137 people and injuring about 5000 others.
The direct impact of the blast leveled thousands of buildings near the city port where the blast emanated from.
The shockwave caused extensive damage to the entire city which is home to two million people, rendering about 300,000 instantly homeless. It brought down or damaged buildings located as far as 10km away from the port.
But something strange happened in a church located less than a kilometer away from the explosion source. Although the entire church building of St. Dimitrios Greek Orthodox was completely shattered, the altar and everything in the sacred place were unscratched.
This church has turned into a beacon of hope to the devastated country as many rivet their eyes to it as a sign from God.
According to the presiding priest, Father Youil Nassif, finding the sacred altar place unaffected as well as an oil lamp that had remained lit throughout gave him hope that God is actually reaching out to His people in their dark times.
The Psalmist affirms this position in Psalm 121 which we have read today. It teaches us that even when times are dark all hope is lost, and everything seems gloomy,
God still rules in the affairs of men. He rules in the midst of chaos and confusion.
As the Psalmist says, “He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand” (Ps. 12 [:3-5). If you are a child of God, step out in great confidence today knowing that Jehovah has your back. Be sure He will protect you.
If he protected this stationary altar of stone, earth, and wood, he would do
much more for you, who is the temple of the Holy Spirit. God bless
your day as you dazzle your world with boldness.
CONTROLLING THOUGHTS
God’s promise of protection will never bounce back like a bad check. He is always watching” (Naide P. Obiang).
PRAYER
Father, I trust You completely to spread Your mighty hands of protection over me and my family in Jesus’ name.
