|
|
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 1, 2006 LIFTED |
A daily |
Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, February 1, 2006 by Penny Risen
“I lift up my eyes to the hills --- where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Ours is such a media-focused society that when someone on national TV or radio calls on us as viewers and listeners to do something, it bears some weight.
--- Follow the “Oprah” book club advice. Thousands of copies fly off bookstore shelves.
--- Tune into Fox’s latest singing contest. Millions of phone lines light up as votes are cast for an “American Idol.”
--- Monitor breaking news about ambushed newsmen or hostages or trapped miners or flood victims. Countless people are asked to turn to God in prayer to intercede for these souls in peril.
Do we respond with bowed heads? Is this call to the public for prayer a new and positive direction from those in the media? Are that many folks lifting up their fellow men and women to the Lord’s caring ear, when implored to do so by TV and radio commentators and news anchors? Seems like every tragedy hitting the airwaves brings a tagline response from broadcasters, that goes something like: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families” or “Please pray for the victims” or “Let’s pray this standoff/attack/injury has a happy outcome.”
We’d like to accept that these public appeals are sincere and the speakers behind the microphones are voicing their faith in prayer and belief in God’s willingness to change tragic events. Perhaps the nonreligious notion of “political correctness” is played down because our world since 9/11 is viewed as more dangerous and our lives more fragile. “It’s okay now: We can pray openly for our fellow human beings,” these media sentiments seem to tell everyone listening in their homes, offices or cars from coast to coast.
I’m cynical enough to think intercessory prayer is not foremost on many viewers’ lists as they turn off the TV news. But I’m hopeful enough to believe God works through many media, via all sorts of people in countless ways. If a broadcaster can convincingly look into a camera and appeal for us to lift someone in prayer who is hurting, it gets our attention. It’s good for people to be reminded that God protects and watches over them --- reminded in places other than in their churches and synagogues.
As Psalm 121 beautifully declares, our help does come from the Lord in both perilous and joyful times. As we pray for strength for ourselves and for others, His love reaches earthward to lift our spirits and comfort our souls. No matter how grim the news seems, He has a plan for us, guards our life 24/7, and raises us up when we stumble.
Now, next time my TV weather forecaster tells me what a fine day it will be tomorrow, a bit of me will be waiting for him to encourage me: “… And be sure to pray and thank God for the beauty of His creation!”
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, my life is in Your mighty hands. What a joy and a comfort this is! Help me to remember to lift up others who are in need or sorrow. Thank you for bringing all those in the world closer as a caring community through the media, and encourage those who spread Your message and love. Amen.
 |
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
Visit the |