Twenty two years ago today, Americans watched in horror as the
worse terror attack in our nation's history unfolded before our
very eyes in New York City, Washington DC. and near
the town of Shanksville in western Pennsylvania.
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that day.
Image courtesy/Pinterest
This morning we remember those who were lost in that unprecedented tragedy.
We will never forget the courage of hundreds of first-responders who
lost their own lives while trying to save others.
This day will always remind me of how, in a single, unguarded moment,
evil can strike in our lives, changing them forever.
America today is a very different place. Like that terrible day over
two decades ago, when enemies with a warped religious ideology
attacked us, our nation is once again under siege by the forces
of both human and spiritual wickedness occupying positions of
authority and power, employing a satanic-instigated strategy
in order to destroy the very heart and soul of America
As believers we not only need to be vigilant in this battle,
but aware of our authority in Christ in these uncertain times.
We cannot live in fear, but with a sense of victory,
knowing that God holds the outcome in His hands.
David knew this too, when he penned his thoughts in a song
called, "Do Not Destroy" during a very dangerous time in his
life, when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him.
David realized that he could not rely on himself or his own resources to
fight in this situation. Instead, he placed his hope and trust in the One
who has never lost a battle, Jehovah-Nissi, to deliver him from his enemies.
PSALM 59
A Song of David
(Set to the tune of "Do Not Destroy")
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend and protect me
from those who rise up against me.
Deliver me from and lift me above those who work evil and save
me from bloodthirsty men.
For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce and mighty men
are banding together against me, not for my transgression nor
any sin of mine, O Lord.
They run and prepare themselves, though there is no fault in me;
rouse Yourself, O Lord, to meet and help me, and see!
You, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, arise to visit all nations;
spare none and be not merciful to any who treacherously plot evil.
Selah, pause and calmly think of that!
They return at evening, they howl and snarl like dogs, and go
prowling about the city.
Behold, they belch out insults with their mouths; swords of
sarcasm, ridicule, slander, and lies are in their lips,
for who, they think, hears us?
But you, O Lord, will laugh at them in scorn; You will hold
all the nations in derision.
O my Strength, I will watch and give heed to You and sing praises;
for God is my Defense, my Protector, and High Tower.
My God in His mercy and steadfast love will meet me;
God will let me look triumphantly on my enemies,
those who lie in wait for me.
Slay them not, lest my people forget; scatter them by Your power
and make them wander to and fro, and bring them down,
O, Lord our Shield!
For the sin of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them
even be trapped and taken in their pride, and for the cursing
and lying which they utter.
Consume them in wrath, consume them so that they shall be no more;
and let them know unto the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob (Israel).
Selah, pause and calmly think of that!
And at evening let them return; let them howl and snarl like dogs
and go prowling about the city.
Let them wander up and down for food and tarry all night
if they are not satisfied, not getting their fill.
But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; yes, I will sing
aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning; for You
have been a defense, a fortress, and a high tower and a refuge
in the day of my distress.
Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my Defense,
my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love.
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