Bible.com.au: Reading Plan - Sing to the Lord

Reflection: Are you anxious?

Eternal light, shine in my heart
Shine in my heart and drive the dark away
Eternal hope, lift up my eyes
Lift up my eyes to see your dawning day
Eternal light shine in my heart
Eternal hope lift up my eyes

Eternal peace quiet my soul
Quiet my soul like the waters flow
Eternal love stand by my side
Stand by my side and never let me go
Eternal peace quiet my soul
Eternal love never let go

You are the same yesterday, today, forever
You never change, you have no beginning
And you have no end

Eternal Light, Paul Zach

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/track/3fVy9ZwVwkJ3FRrgkyTJbU?si=k_wuUZttRqyVYUBw8dsV-A&nd=1

My grandfather survived a genocide. The basis was largely around his ethnicity and Christian beliefs. I’ve been privileged enough to work with families who survived similar circumstances at the hands of ISIS.

In these situations, I’ve seen survivors struggle with lifelong stress, anxiety and PTSD. I’ve not personally experienced anything like that, but do suffer from anxiety in a far more garden-variety way. The passage today gives us comfort and hope.

We can cast our anxiety on our heavenly Father. He cares for us. I recently came across an album by Paul Zach focused on these themes, and just love both the style and take on real suffering.

Have a listen to this song, and focus on the repetition of God’s unfailing faithfulness, his unchanging nature, and his steadfast love. Hope in him never disappoints.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your unchanging love. You are the same yesterday, today, forever. You never change. Shine in our heart, Lord and lift up our eyes to you. Quiet our soul, Lord and stand by our side. We cast our worries and anxieties on you. Give us the strength to stand firm in the faith. We think of the family of believers globally and bring their suffering before you. Restore them and us Lord. We cast our anxiety on you, because you care for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1 Peter 5:1-14

To the Elders and the Flock

1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble.”

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

12With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.

14Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Sing to the Lord

Day 5 of 7

NIV

1 Peter 5:7-11

Days

1 Peter 5:1-14