Today is July 21

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book 2 Corinthians, chapter 4.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Paul uses such great descriptors in these few verses that can give language to how we might be feeling…. What feelings are you bringing to God today? Do you identify with feeling hard pressed? Or perplexed? Or persecuted? Or struck down?

Hard pressed on every side, Paul says. BUT – not crushed. If you’re old enough you might remember the famous trash compactor scene from Star Wars. They were being hard pressed on every side! But they weren’t destroyed. At the last minute, they were saved. It’s a silly analogy, maybe, but memorable. He is with you in the pressing, and he is at work to save and help you. As you hear the passage again, listen for God’s saving help in the midst of your circumstances.

I love the phrase ‘but not’ in these verses. Paul is keeping it real, He’s not afraid to share frankly and honestly, but he’s able to retain the power of faith. It’s difficult, BUT NOT impossible. How do you think Paul is able to hold on to faith in this place? When the walls seem to be closing in around him? Talk to God about how you can hold on to faith as we close our time of prayer.

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)