Jesus Christ: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever

Daily Reading: Isaiah 33

Scripture Focus: He will be the stability of your times. (Isaiah 33.6)

Devotional Thought: While the year 2020 has proven to be an alarming time, the last century had its share of uncertainty:

·       The Great Depression. Though it was devastating to those who experienced it, it is only a historical memory to us today.

·       World War II.  Uncertainty swept around the world.  But, this was before my time as well, and the war was fought mainly in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.

·       The Cold War.  I was alive, but quite young during most of it.  I vaguely remember the nuclear fallout drills in school and the nuclear shelter signs on buildings.

·       9-11. We watched with horror as the twin towers crumbled, the airlines shut down, gas prices soared, and the stock market tanked.  Where would terror strike next?  By then, I was old enough to feel the uncertainty. 

·       The Great Recession.  When the housing bubble burst and the banks failed, millions of people saw their security evaporate in just a few weeks.

But in 2020, we faced uncertainty of a nature that we have never experienced before.  It invaded every city.  People were nervous as never before.  We needed stability.

Where can we go to find that stability?  To the Lord!  Let us remember the words of Isaiah for a people in uncertain times:  "O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you.  Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble... The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times" (Isaiah 33.2, 5-6).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we live in uncertain days, but we know that you are the same yesterday, today, and forever!  We wait for you, O Lord.  Be gracious to us.  Be our arm every morning and our salvation in this time of trouble.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 63.8-11

8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

9 But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;

10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.

11 But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.