Today is June 3.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
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 of 1 Samuel, chapter 2.  
 

Then Hannah prayed and said:  
          “My heart rejoices in the LORD;  
         in the LORD my horn is lifted high.  
         My mouth boasts over my enemies,  
         for I delight in your deliverance.  
       “There is no one holy like the LORD;  
         there is no one besides you;  
         there is no Rock like our God.  
       “Do not keep talking so proudly  
         or let your mouth speak such arrogance,  
         for the LORD is a God who knows,  
         and by him deeds are weighed.  
       “The bows of the warriors are broken,  
         but those who stumbled are armed with strength.  
      Those who were full hire themselves out for food,  
         but those who were hungry are hungry no more.  
         She who was barren has borne seven children,  
         but she who has had many sons pines away.  
       “The LORD brings death and makes alive;  
         he brings down to the grave and raises up.  
      The LORD sends poverty and wealth;  
         he humbles and he exalts.  
      He raises the poor from the dust  
         and lifts the needy from the ash heap;  
         he seats them with princes  
         and has them inherit a throne of honor.  
          “For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s;  
         on them he has set the world.  
      He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,  
         but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.  
          “It is not by strength that one prevails;  
          those who oppose the LORD will be broken. 


Hannah’s prayer reminds us of the strength and faithfulness of God, and of way the kingdom of God interrupts the kingdom of this world. In the kingdom of God, the needy and the poor are lifted up. In the kingdom of god, it is not by our own strength that we prevail. Draw near to the Lord in this moment and try to center yourself in His strength and faithfulness, instead of in your own capacities and power. Pay attention to one area that you are feeling particularly self-reliant about. 
   
Are there things going on in your life, or in the world around you, that feel impossible? Do you ever feel overwhelmed or in need of God’s deliverance? Let the words of scripture speak to you, and remind you of God’s power and provision.  
   
The foundations of the earth’s are the Lord’s. Scripture roots us deeply in the reality that the earth and all that is in it were made with intention, are held with intention, and are imbued with intention. When we are reminded that the foundations of the earth are the Lord, and when we’re reminded that the Lord’s character is good and perfect and just... we can be reminded that he rescues, and He redeems. Perhaps God’s redemption feels far off today for some who are listening. Would you pour out your heart to the Lord, and invite Him to tend to your soul in this time of waiting?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Here In Your Presence" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)