Morning Devotional 100325 Boldly Love in the Name of God

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

October 3, 2025 

Psalm 94:16-23

16 Who will stand up for me against the wicked? Who will help me against evildoers? 17 If the LORD hadn’t helped me, I would live instantly in total silence. 18 Whenever I feel my foot slipping, your faithful love steadies me, LORD. 19 When my anxieties multiply, your comforting calms me down. 20 Can a wicked ruler be your ally; one who wreaks havoc by means of the law? 21 The wicked gang up against the lives of the righteous. They condemn innocent blood. 22 But the LORD is my fortress; my God is my rock of refuge. 23 He will repay them for their wickedness, completely destroy them because of their evil. Yes, the LORD our God will completely destroy them.

Good Morning! The Lord is our Fortress!

What a relevant question for a challenging time such as this: “Who will stand up for me against the wicked?” Social media and the news media are full of violence and words of hate. It is understandable that the current events elevate the anxiety and fear of many people. For those who are among the “marginalized,” these reports are terrifying. For the rest of us, it might seem that our best choice is to sit quietly and let others figure out the mess. 

David’s words exemplify our situation. Earlier in the Psalm, David asks God, How long, Lord, will the wicked,  how long will the wicked be jubilant? When he asks who will stand with him, he states, “If the Lord hadn’t helped me, I would live instantly in total silence.” He then goes on to remind us that God empowers us to stand with the persecuted. “The wicked gang up against the lives of the righteous and condemn innocent blood.” 

We are called to get up and stand for those who are being persecuted. Micah 6:8 calls us to action: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God. Now is not the time to throw up our hands in defeat; it is time to love our enemies into submission. Remember that God, through the resurrection of Jesus, has overcome the world! 

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! We are weak without your power. Even the strongest evil falls when confronted by your love.  Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Share time with God in the Scriptures to allow God’s power within you to be revealed. 

Boldly love in the name of God! Pastor Liz