what I needed to hear
Writing a devotional for September 11 is a tricky undertaking for me. Do I ignore the significances of the day in the history of our nation and in my own life or do I address it? In one way there is so much I can say and in a another way there is nothing for me to say.
So I have decided to write what I needed to hear then and still need to hear now.
- God is in control. God isn’t surprised or absent. God weeps with us and for us.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 NIV
- “Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 The sun rose on September 12, 2001 as it does every morning.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
- We are called to hope not cope. The difference is so much more than a single letter.
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Words by Edward Mote (1797-1874) and others Music by Francis Blight (PRS)
- We are promised that prayers with petitions plus thanksgiving will lead to peace.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4 -7.
- God can be trusted.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
This year the anniversary of the attacks is a little harder than usual. September 11, 2018 is a Tuesday just as September 11, 2001 was. So it all lines up. But you know what also lines up? The promises of God and I can tell you that God has been true to who the Bible says He is.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
I’m glad you chose to remember and comment rather than ignore – I can’t imagine ignoring this day – the horror, the strength, the prayers, the tears and then the absolute conviction that America would recover and thrive again.
A difficult one for you to write, Anne, but a gift of promises to all of us as we face tomorrow, and today. Thank you for pointing us to the Word.
A precious testimony of God’s power to hold us in difficult times and a reminder to pray for those whose lives were changed forever 17 years ago.
Sweet Ann, I can’t even image what is was like in New York on September 11, 2001. My heart still breaks for those who were there and were affected by this tragic event. Thanks you for the reminder that God will see us through the darkest times.
My Dear Friend, it is evident that G-D was with you then and continues to be a light for you now. My love and prayers go out to you and all those who have been touched by this event. Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom and your heart with all of us.
Thank you Ann. The words God spoke to you have ministered to all of us. Thank you for sharing and for your beautiful spirit.
May the Lord continue to shine His brightness on you and your girls and to use all of you to lead others to His brightness in their lives.
Thank you all for your encouraging words. We don’t do life alone we need each other.
Wonderful encouragement for those of us remembering the lifes lost on this day, 17 years ago. May God continue to use your voice and sweet spirit. ((Hugs))
Thank you, Ann, for sharing what you needed to hear – we all need to hear it, again and again. Bless you!