Sermon Note: Power in Peace

Introduction

As we have journeyed through our series on Seeking God, we’ve marveled at God’s awe-inspiring presence and celebrated God’s boundless creativity. Last week, we looked at another profound aspect of God’s nature: God’s perfect love. This week, we will study Psalm 20 and discuss the Power of Peace.

This Wednesday, June 19th, we will celebrate Juneteenth, a day many consider to be our country’s second Independence Day. Let us take time this week to watch a documentary about Juneteenth produced by Our Daily Bread Ministries. As you watch this documentary, consider the words of Psalm 20:

1. How might these words have been used by those in Texas who learned of their long-awaited freedom?
2. How might these words still resonate today?

Illustration Video

Psalm 20 (CEB)

I pray that the Lord answers you
        whenever you are in trouble.
    Let the name of Jacob’s God protect you.
² Let God send help to you from the sanctuary
    and support you from Zion.
³ Let God recall your many grain offerings;
    let him savor your entirely burned offerings. Selah
⁴ Let God grant what is in your heart
    and fulfill all your plans.
⁵ Then we will rejoice that you’ve been helped.
    We will fly our flags in the name of our God.
    Let the Lord fulfill all your requests!

⁶ Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed one;
    God answers his anointed one
        from his heavenly sanctuary,
    answering with mighty acts of salvation
        achieved by his strong hand.
⁷ Some people trust in chariots, others in horses;
    but we praise the Lord’s name.
⁸ They will collapse and fall,
    but we will stand up straight and strong.

⁹ Lord, save the king!
    Let him answer us when we cry out!

Weekly Action

This week find a Juneteenth celebration near you. Consider attending this Juneteenth celebration in a spirit of peace, reconciliation, and love.

Prayer

You who shepherd the lost and comfort the afflicted:
Guide our hands to touch the untouchable,
Our ears to listen to the hopeless,
Our eyes to see the misery of others,
Our hearts to feel the pain of prisoners.
Empower us to take risks to be channels of healing and mercy
So that this world may be a better place.
Amen