CONCERT DAY
December 19, 2017
Prayer: May You be glorified in all I do this day, Oh my God and my Savior.
Scripture: Oh, Lord, be gracious to us; we long for You. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Is. 33:2. NIV
This was concert day—one of scores over the years, but very typical. I had spent my energy getting the children ready, seeing that the programs were printed, the risers were in place, the auditorium and sound system set up. Beyond that, I knew that I had to arrange chairs for my 60 singers twice that day, and all this besides teaching my full load of classes this week before Christmas. It seemed that on the days most important, I was the most tired and the most vulnerable physically to Satan and my own sinful nature. Yet, because I gave these events to God for His glory, He saw to it that the children did their best, details were arranged and everything went well.
I recorded a prayer on one of these days:
Lord, I am completely out of my own strength, creative energy, authority over what happens on this concert day. Everyone is supremely weary at school, many are fighting sickness, and it has rained for days. The children are smitten with each other and with Christmas, and pay little heed to us adults. I pray as Isaiah prayed, “Oh, Lord, be gracious to us. We long for you.” As I gather the manna from you this morning, I ask for oil as well, to give me your joy. “The joy of the Lord is strength” too. May all who watch and scrutinize my life today, see the glory of your power in me. Amen.
Copyright Shirley Wilson. Email [email protected]
You have captured the essence of the Christmas message in this illustration. Thank you for always sharing your heart and your peace and trust in our God within the devotionals you write.