God’s Perfect Power – 5 May 2020

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honour come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” 1 Chronicles 29:11-13

These beautiful words of praise for God flowed from King David’s full heart after he, and his people led by their leaders, had all given generously and willingly to the LORD for the building of the temple. David had even given “his personal treasures” (1 Chronicles 29:3) “over and above” the resources he’d already given to build it, and the peoples’ hearts were overjoyed  “at the willing response of their leaders” (29:9) and the spirit of unity in their offering to God.

A recent article commended South Africa for the quick action to lockdown, effectively prioritising life over wealth, and also the unity of the people in following, while acknowledging that challenges would still lie ahead for the country. Each time President Ramaphosa addresses the nation, he must be hugely aware of the difficulties he’s dealing with and the battles he’s having to fight, on all fronts, to effectively lead the people through this stressful time.

Our hearts can only go out to him as we feel the strain of the heavy load he carries in his words, and it is only when he says, ‘God bless South Africa’ that his eyes soften, perhaps as he gratefully acknowledges that ultimate control is in God’s hands. Like our president, we are frail, imperfect people, powerless to control the outcomes of our lives, despite our noblest intentions and best efforts; but trusting God who can, and who loves us all, is the best thing we can do.

We actively need Him in the world, and we need Him in our lives. He “is faithful to his promises and everything he does is good. He helps those who are in trouble; he lifts those who have fallen.” (Psalm 145:13-14) His eyes “are on the righteous and his ears (are) attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12) He can even make “a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19) “This God, how perfect are his deeds! How dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection.” (Psalm 18:30 GNT)

Does not His splendour fill us with awe? And His love for us with gratitude and praise?

Prayer: Dearest Father, although our situation today is very different to King David’s, who approached You with great joy, we thank You that we can still rejoice in our trials because we know that You are the same “Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8) You are our hope in this time of trouble and we can cry out to You in our need. Help us to be united and to give of ourselves as You lead us. You alone are “worthy to receive glory and honour and power” to guide us all and heal our nation. Amen