Thought fir Wednesday 21 July

Thought for Wednesday 21 July Psalm 73:7-9 NIV UK From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits. They scoff and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. When I hear about the numbers of people trying to enter the country illegally I have mixed feelings about it. I know they should be trying through the correct channels but their chances of success are negligible, no matter their country of choice. I’ve wondered how I would cope with the situation they find themselves in. I would certainly be trying to find a way out of the persecution that is driving these people to find somewhere safe to bring up their children. How would I have felt if my child was born and the first sound to assail their ears was that of gunfire? Or the knowledge that in a few years they could be kidnapped to be indoctrinated into the belief that violence is the only way to convert people to follow their violent beliefs. I thank and praise God that I live in a country where I can freely worship God and put my heart fully into His loving hands. I can attend worship services knowing that I won’t be attacked for my faith. I am aware though that even in this country some people are attacked for their faith and it makes me angry that these attackers use the excuse of ‘faith’ as a reason for the assaults, when it is just plain old hatred and a love of violence. We need to be vigilant always in case the evil one manages to find a crack in our defences, to make a home for himself in us. The only way to combat this is to put our trust in the One who holds us in the palm of His hand and believe in His protection.        As David says in  Psalm 5: 11, 12   But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield. Prayer Mighty God, we know that we are safe in Your hands. We need You to hold us because if we try to hold You we may grow weak and let go. We need to trust in Your strength to protect us from the evil that surrounds us, which is growing ever more conspicuous. Be with us always as we praise and worship You. Amen.