Today’s scripture: Isaiah 7:1-9 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
As chapter 7 begins, it sounds as if Isaiah is the Secretary of State, telling King Ahaz of Judah to stand his ground, even as he will be threatened. Stand firm in faith, and you will remain standing. How often can we feel things caving in around us? At such times, fear can take over. It is not always so easy just to stand in faith. It is more about leaning on God and daring to take that stand, which gives us the strength to be more courageous, and keep standing. Say a prayer. Ask God for help, even if that means yelling out to God. Ask for more strength. Take the time to cultivate a deeper faith – spend more time in prayer, with Jesus. Spend time with his words and his teachings. How much better could you stand?
Watch the following video, Stand, by Rascal Flatts. Read the words below.
Stand, by Rascal Flatts
You feel like a candle in a hurricane
Just like a picture with a broken frame
Alone and helpless, like you’ve lost your fight
But you’ll be all right, you’ll be all right
Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you’re made of
You might bend till you break
Cause it’s all you can take
On your knees, you look up
Decide you’ve had enough
You get mad, you get strong
Wipe your hands, shake it off
Then you stand, then you stand
Life’s like a novel with the end ripped out
The edge of a canyon with only one way down
Take what you’re given before it’s gone
And start holdin’ on, keep holdin’ on
Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you’re made of
You might bend till you break
Cause it’s all you can take
On your knees, you look up
Decide you’ve had enough
You get mad, you get strong
Wipe your hands, shake it off
Then you stand, yeah, then you stand
Every time you get up
And get back in the race
One more small piece of you
Starts to fall into place
Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you’re made of
You might bend till you break
Cause it’s all you can take
On your knees, you look up
Decide you’ve had enough
You get mad, you get strong
Wipe your hands, shake it off
Then you stand, then you stand
Yeah, then you stand, yeah
Then you stand, yeah, yeah
Thought for the day: What does it mean to stand in faith in a situation you face right now?
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.