Luke 1 68-75
Blessed by the Lord, the God of Israel; he came to set his people free.
He set the power of salvation in the centre of our lives, and in the very house of David his servant.
Just as he promised long through the preaching of his holy prophets: Deliverance from our enemies and every hateful hand: Mercy to our fathers, as he remembers to do what he said he’d do, what he swore to our father Abraham – a clean rescue from the enemy camp, so we can worship him without a care in the world make holy before him as long as we live.
The first thought that struck me was, when Zachariah was able to speak after nine months, his first words were to praise God, not complain about the hardship or shout with relief. It wasn’t about him at all. He had witnessed the answer to a prayer he has long stopped praying. God saw the hope that Zachariah and Elizabeth carried in their hearts.
Do I give up on prayers I have stopped praying? I admit, I do. 2020 has been a struggle for my family, as it has been for many families -job losses, mental illness, fractured relationships, and loss of a close family member. But when I read this passage in Luke, it reminds me that God doesn’t forget my prayers, and they will be answered in His time and in His way. I will continue to thank God and worship Him, even in and especially in, times of hardship. This gives me a heart of hope.
Luke 1 78-79
Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s Sunrise will break in upon us, shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then showing us the way , one foot at a time, down the path of peace.
Check out this song
by Jason Silver called "And You Child"
Shared By Jane Herlick