Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"TROUBLED"
December 27, 2017
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
~ Matthew 2:3 (ESV)
Are you troubled? Is there something, or someone, who is disturbing your peace? Are you in a situation where you just can't stop worrying, no matter what you do?
The people of Jerusalem were in that situation when the magi showed up looking for Jesus. They knew that King Herod was both paranoid and violent. He constantly worried about someone taking away his throne. He even killed his own wife and children for that reason. This was not a man the people of Jerusalem wanted to see upset. Who knew what he would do next?
And so they worried and waited. What else could they do?
Another king, Jesus' ancestor David, had the answer:
For God alone my soul waits in silence;You may be living at someone else's mercy-under the power of a family member, boss, neighbor, or politician. And if that person is evil or even just unstable, it is reasonable to be afraid. Yet God invites us to lean on Him when we are troubled. We find our hope in the Prince of Peace, Jesus of Bethlehem. He is our refuge, for He has come to be our Savior. And all the Herods in the world can't take us out of His care.
from Him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:1-2, 8)
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, keep us close to You in times of trouble, and help us. Amen.
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Are you troubled? Is there something, or someone, who is disturbing your peace? Are you in a situation where you just can't stop worrying, no matter what you do?
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