Hope, when properly placed, is a powerful tool that defies the weapons formed against us (Isaiah 54:17). When I say, “When properly placed”, I am talking about where we put our hope. In our world, unlike the previous generations, we have access to flexible funding through credit cards, online banking, and external loan companies and I believe it creates a false sense of security. When we do not have to hope, yearn, or wait for anything, the Devil has us where he wants us like a ring on a finger. When we are in debt to credit card companies and banks, we need to put in the hours at work to earn the money to cover our debts; the longer we are at work, whether at home or the office, the less time we have for our spouse and children. Many of us, including me, buy things to make up for our short comings; when we do this often enough, our children no longer have to hope, year, or wait for anything all they have to do is twist the ring called “guilt” and the parent coalesces to the demand. Yet, when that magic ticket is pulled, either through job loss or maxed out cards, tension is created and it never leaves. The Lord admonishes us to build our lives upon the solid rock of His salvation (). When we do this, trials and storms will come but we will not be shaken (Isaiah ).

I encourage you, dear reader to trust in the God i serve because I have never been forsaken though storms have rattled our windows and fear became as thick as pea soup. Life in America and across the globe is very difficult and it is hard to know who to trust and who not to trust. Therefore, I invite you to the table the Lord has set that you may have freedom today (Matthew 11:28-29, Isaiah 40:31). One of my many favorite verses that quote when trouble is compelling me to do the ungodly is, “In the Lord I place my trust how can you say, ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain …’” (Psalms 11).

Father,

To you be the glory, power, and honor due to your name. You encourage us to cast all of our cares on you because you care for us (1 Peter 5:7-11). I pray for my readers and those who will come to learn about you that they might have peace and joy through Christ Jesus. I pray for my nation as others pray for theirs that Lord you will us not to make us more powerful but that we’d become what you have designed us for. In your hands I commit this day.

In His Service MK