Today is June 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 99. 
 
 
      The LORD reigns,  
         let the nations tremble;  
         he sits enthroned between the cherubim,  
         let the earth shake.  
      Great is the LORD in Zion;  
         he is exalted over all the nations.  
      Let them praise your great and awesome name—  
         he is holy.  
       The King is mighty, he loves justice—  
         you have established equity;  
         in Jacob you have done  
         what is just and right.  
      Exalt the LORD our God  
         and worship at his footstool;  
         he is holy.  
  
  
The psalmist is reorienting us to something deeply powerful: God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth... is exalted far about the nations. What does that mean, when the nations of our world seem to be in such disarray? What does it mean that we don’t trust in our nation, any nation, any politic? What does it mean that we trust in God, the king, who is mighty, who loves justice, who establishes equity, and who does what is good and right? What does it mean for you, today, to put your trust in the Lord? 
   
What are things, on a national level, that fill you with anxiety, or frustration, or fear, or even anger? What makes those negative feelings worsen? Perhaps social media? Watching the news? Arguing with family members? Could you imagine giving those things up? Could you imagine instead using that time to abide with Christ, the risen King? To pray and meditate on His kingdom? To commit your trust – over and over and over again – to Him... in faith, hope, and love... instead of in any nation or leader or earthly kingdom? Let’s listen to the scripture again: 
   
We don’t use the word exalt a lot these days, but I think of it like this: what I give my attention and my emotions and my energy to, I’m exalting. Sometimes we exalt athletic teams. Or influencers. Or politicians. To exalt the Lord our God means to give him the best of your attention, your emotion, and your energy. As we end our time of prayer today, consider one way you might need to reallocate attention, emotion, or energy toward the Lord today. Here is a pro-tip: unplug from social media and reduce your screentime. You’ll be amazed how much space you may find...

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: "Exalt The Lord" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)