Alleluia

by Isaiah Templeton

Growing up in a neighborhood full of kids was a blast. Playing pickup basketball and football, or racing to light poles, are among my fondest childhood memories. If you grew up in that kind of environment, you remember how competitive things got and how combative things could get.

There was nothing more satisfying than having a big brother to back me up when things got rowdy. Even if he wasn’t physically there, I’d look at the other kids and say, “I’ll go get my big brother. He’s strong. He plays football at Commerce High School.” That alone seemed to calm the situation; not because they had seen him in action, but because of the way I boasted about him.

I’m reminded of when the Lord spoke to Jeremiah: “But let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” (Jeremiah 9:24, NIV).

If word of my brother could silence the rough kids in my neighborhood, how much more can the word of my Heavenly Father, Savior, and Lord calm the battles and storms I fight in this life? When you declare lyrics like, “I’ve got a God who is for me! He’s known for making a way,” these aren’t empty words. You are serving notice to what stands in front of you and letting every mountain know you have backup.

I don’t know what is trying to kill your confidence today, but make your boast in the One who never fails, leaves, or loses. He is for you, and He is known for making a way. Alleluia!

Prayer

God, thank You for always being there. We make our boast in You today because we have never faced a mountain that You couldn’t move. We sing in the midst of battles because You’ve already given us the victory. Let us never forget the price You paid to secure that victory forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.