Here he is – your God

Happy are those who have the God of Jacob to help them
and who depend on the Lord their God,
the Creator of heaven, earth, and sea,
and all that is in them.
He always keeps his promises;
he judges in favour of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry. (verses 5-7a)

Read Psalm 146:5-10

If you’ve ever been asked to introduce a guest speaker you’ll know how difficult this can be. What do you say in a succinct manner that will capture the attention of the audience, so that they can identify with the topic, thus paving the way for the speaker?

Now, if God were the guest speaker, what would you say? Take a hint from the words of this psalm. It begins with describing his achievements, ‘the Creator of heaven, earth and sea’, and then moves into the personal characteristics with which the audience can identify, ‘He always keeps his promises’. Now the audience is listening! ‘The Lord is king for ever’ – and here is – ‘your God.’

What an introduction! This is only the start, of course. To hear God speak to you, take the time to read his words in the Bible and talk with him in prayer.

Help me, God, to listen when you speak and in listening to come to know you better.  Amen.

by Anne Maczkowiack in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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