When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice. John 10:4-5.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19.

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. Psalm 147:11. 

Looking at the world today it feels like we are on the brink of times that will test all of us. I read our psalm today, Psalm 9, and can see where David was praising God because the enemies pursuing David had fallen. Enemies who wanted to destroy David. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you…You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever…Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies, you have uprooted their cities; even the memory of them has perished…v. 3, 5, 6. Do we see cities in ruin today? Does only one “side” pray to God? Do we? Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. v. 10. This world today is running headlong into more violence just as those did who have gone before us. There are aggressors determined to destroy utterly and those defending for all they are worth. Who cries out to God for His justice? Not our justice, but God’s justice. The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity…The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble…v. 7, 8, 9. What brings us to another brink of times we cannot resolve? The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. The Lord is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God. But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. v. 15-18. The hope of the afflicted will never perish. What will it take? Arise, Lord, do not let mortals triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. Strike them with terror, Lord; let the nations know they are only mortal. v. 19, 20. We, the nations, are only mortal. Our strength is not in us and nations have proven that over and over and over through all the ages of mankind. I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. v. 1, 2. 

When he has brought out all his own. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. We can’t ignore the violence in our own hearts, our own homes, our own cities and countries, our own world. But we can turn to the One who rules the world in righteousness. Our Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit – will return. His steadfast love is our strength. And what did Jesus, our Lord, say to us? Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10. Jesus, our Lord, the Son, was all of those things. He showed us how to trust in the Father…not in ourselves. Difficult? Absolutely! So we praise God, because He, not us, is our strength and our help always. It is never too late to turn to God. He’s here for us. Always. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10.