Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word, ELW 517
Lord, keep us steadfast in your word;
curb those who by deceit or sword
would wrest the kingdom from your Son
and bring to naught all he has done.
Lord Jesus Christ, your pow'r make known,
for you are Lord of lords alone;
defend your holy church, that we
may sing your praise eternally.
O Comforter of priceless worth,
send peace and unity on earth;
support us in our final strife
and lead us out of death to life.
Devotion
The tune of this hymn is somber, as befitting the tone of the texts this week. Yet its message is hopeful: in the face of suffering, oppression, anxiety and strife, it calls upon God to be merciful, powerful and present. It looks beyond what is happening in this world to the eternal kingdom. It holds up the church as a place of comfort, strength and praise. And it points to the Bible as the tangible bridge that keeps us connected with God.
So what do you do when God’s word isn’t easy? How about trying this: Trust in what you know of God’s character. Look for ways to explore it with others. Pray for understanding, insight and clarity. And know that it is a word steeped in God’s everlasting love.
Prayer
Lord, send peace, unity and comfort through your word, so that all may be led out of death to life with you. Amen.