The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "GIVE ME THE WORDS, LORD" for Sunday, 11 September 2016 with Scripture: Psalm 46:1-12

The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "GIVE ME THE WORDS, LORD" for Sunday, 11 September 2016 with Scripture: Psalm 46:1 (0) For the leader. By the descendants of Korach. On ‘alamot [high-pitched musical instruments?]. A song:
2 (1) God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
3 (2) Therefore we are unafraid,
even if the earth gives way,
even if the mountains tumble
into the depths of the sea,
4 (3) even if its waters rage and foam,
and mountains shake at its turbulence. (Selah)
5 (4) There is a river whose streams
gladden the city of God,
the holy habitation of ‘Elyon —
6 (5) God is in the city.
It will not be moved —
when daybreak comes, God will help it.
7 (6) Nations were in turmoil,
kingdoms were moved;
his voice thundered forth,
and the earth melted away.
8 (7) Adonai-Tzva’ot is with us,
our fortress, the God of Ya‘akov. (Selah)
9 (8) Come and see the works of Adonai,
the astounding deeds he has done on the earth.
10 (9) To the ends of the earth he makes wars cease —
he breaks the bow, snaps the spear,
burns the shields in the fire.
11 (10) “Desist, and learn that I am God,
supreme over the nations,
supreme over the earth.”
12 (11) Adonai-Tzva’ot is with us,
our fortress, the God of Ya‘akov. (Selah)
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When they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.[Matthew 10:19-20 (NIV)]
After the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, I was asked to help at the New York City Family Assistance Center. I was assigned to the legal division to assist with benefits for the victims’ families.
I had been happy to help when asked, but this assignment just boggled my mind. What could I possibly say when faced with families who had lost someone close to them so violently and so suddenly? Words failed me completely. I felt inadequate to do what I was being asked to do.
In my church we had been praying the Psalms, especially Psalm 46. So I turned to the Psalms to find peace. Instead, my Bible fell open to a passage from Matthew where Jesus instructed his disciples before sending them out on mission. He told them that it would not be they who would be speaking but the Spirit of God speaking through them. I continued reading and meditating on this passage throughout my months working at the Center to remind me that God would give me the words I needed to speak to his people.
Whether through the Bible, others with whom I share my faith journey, or the world around me, God is still speaking to me. I want to be sure to listen.
The Author: Mary Tufts (New York, USA)
Thought for the Day: God is still speaking. Today I will be quiet and listen.
Prayer: O God, as we find ourselves overwhelmed by the clamor of the world, quiet every voice but yours so we will be able to know your peace and share it with others. Amen.
Prayer focus: FAMILIES AFFECTED BY VIOLENCE
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