Today’s scripture: Psalm 47 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
The subtitle of Psalm 47 in the New Revised Standard Version is God Rules over the Nations. There have been so many interpretations of what that means, and how it has been carried out over time, but it seems people just get in the way.
What would it mean for God to rule over your nation? I mean the nation of you: yourself. Sing praises to God; allow yourself to know God and God’s character; and live the life that God wants you to live.
You might think you don’t know God’s character. Take the time to get to know God. Read your Bible, pray, attend worship, attend Oasis (small) groups, and immerse yourself to know God better.
God is love. God’s grace and peace is there for us all. Jesus showed us how to love God. He also taught us to show kindness and love to one another, to show mercy, to be champions of the oppressed, to feed the poor, to do justice, to heal, to be there for each other in times of need, and to get along with each other.
Jesus said there would always be the poor, and Jesus tells us we may not always get along well; so do we stop working to eliminate poverty or getting along more harmoniously?
Prayer for the Day: God, I pray that I can live the kind of life you call me to live. Help me to know and understand your character better. Rule my world. How do I let You rule over me: my nation?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.