Praise be to the Lord

People around the world are celebrating the news recently in from Pakistan. We join them.

But our joy is tempered. We remember the carnage that came as the result of horrific plans. We remember the flag-draped caskets that came sadly home. The price we have already paid to combat terrorism is steep. We know the last payment to that account is yet to be made.

Today we celebrate being Americans. There is a special satisfaction in knowing that the voice that so loudly chanted, "Death to America!" has been silenced by Americans. It seems only right.


We salute our troops. But we know that the final credit must go to the LORD our God. Without his help, all of our efforts would be in vain. If we do not know this, if we do not acknowledge this, then shame on us!

Deep down we know that we do not deserve to be blessed by the Almighty—not we who misuse his name and trample on his commandments. The song about America has it right: "God shed his grace on thee." It is all a matter of grace—of undeserved love.

So we dedicate ourselves anew to faithful service. To this we have been called. Toward this we strive.

It is sobering to remember that the Son of God died on a cross to pay for the sins of Osama bin Laden. We wonder what would have happened if, as a young boy, he could have heard the gospel. We look at the pictures of the flames in the compound, and think of the body buried at sea, and realize: There but for the grace of God go I.

This is a day of thanksgiving and recommitment. Today we join warrior-king David with these words: "Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me" (Psalm 144: 1-2).

Prayer: Lord of the Nations, we bow before you with words of thanksgiving. The one who planned attacks upon so many people, and who encouraged others to kill the defenseless, has met with your justice in Pakistan. We thank you for removing this threat. We ask you to continue to shield and empower those who protect us in distant and dangerous places.

We ask you to pull our nation closer to you, and defend it in your mercy. Lead us to repentance, Lord. We have often failed you. Lead us to confidence, Lord. You have never failed us.

Inspire us with the boldness to declare that only you are LORD—you only are the world's hope. Allow us to taste again of the peace that can come only from your hand, as we declare your praises around the world. This we pray in the name of the risen and victorious Savior. Amen.

Looking for devotions to strengthen you in your walk of faith? Listen online or download weekly devotions created for military personnel and their families from WELS Military Services

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