My fiance sent me these words this morning. They come from the devotional writer Oswald Chambers.
"To look for justice is a sign of deflection from devotion to Him. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we will begin to grouse and to indulge in the discontent of self-pity - Why should I be treated like this? If we are devoted to Jesus Christ we have nothing to do with what we meet, whether it is just or unjust. Jesus says - Go steadily on with what I have told you to do and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance. We enthrone common sense and tack the name of God on to it."

As I thought about the significance, my mind was drawn to the words of this verse found in Psalm 20:7 NIV:
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

What a tremendous reminder to those of us who follow after Christ and who trust in His power. The testimony of men and women throughout the ages has been this--confidence in God brings peace through any persecution, any trial, any struggle that man may bring. Think of the disciples, Martin Luther, Thomas a Kempis and other great saints who struggled for the faith. Something about their lives said exactly what Chambers words above expressed. Trying to defend ourselves or provide for our own needs is to remove our lives from His deliverance. The psalmist said that the strength of armies cannot measure up to the name of God. That kind of power has enabled believers throughout the ages to stand confidently before any force, any accusation, any persecution, any temptation or any trial. It enables you and I to face life if only we will place our hands confidently in the care of God's wisdom. I don't think we can dare live our lives otherwise.

This morning, some friends of mine lost their daughter to a battle with bacterial meningitis. I invite you today to pray for their family, for their faith (they are Christ followers) and for their ability to rest in God's power and care in the days ahead. May they (and every one of you) know the awesome power of His holy name as you pass through this day.