Firm may she ever stand

July 4, 2022

Friends,

Prayer is underrated. And the historical prayers of the church are even more so. Let’s appreciate the great treasures of our heritage! Here’s your annual refresher on the beautiful prayer for our nation that we have in our hymnal:

Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When time are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

It’s that last bit that struck me this Sunday: “When time are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail.”

It is the Lord who sends both prosperity and trouble. As it was for Joseph, everything is from the Lord, whether you find yourself thrown in a pit by your brothers or second-in-command to Pharaoh.

It is good to work for prosperity, to seek peace and pursue it. It is good for us to cherish the abundance that God has given us in this good land. But even more than that, it is best for us to seek the Lord. It is best for us to seek the Lord and hear his voice, the same Lord Jesus who is our God in troubled times and in prosperous. He is our God and Savior even if the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the depths of the sea. He is our Good Shepherd even when we lack no good thing and see nothing but green pastures all around us.

So prepare your hearts! Be quick to thank God for his generosity! Be ready to take your needs and sorrow and grief to his throne!

Be like Joseph, who put his trust in God and believed that God had shown him favor whether he was languishing in prison or saving the world from famine. Learn from Jesus on the cross the boundless love of God for you, his beloved child!

God bless and keep you,

Pr. Buchs

COMING EVENTS: Elders & Council – Thursday, July 14 @ 6 & 7pm Vacation Bible School – July 31-August 4 @ 6-7:30pm