Psalm 18:10-21 “All the nations surrounded me, but in the LORD’s name I cut them off. They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me. In the LORD’s name I indeed cut them off. They surrounded me like bees. They are quenched like the burning thorns. In the LORD’s name I cut them off. You pushed me back hard, to make me fall, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song. He has become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. ‘The right hand of the LORD does valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD does valiantly!’ I will not die, but live, and declare the LORD’s works. The LORD has punished me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Open to me the gates of righteousness. I will enter into them. I will give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous will enter into it. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation.”

Punishment can come. We face obstacles from within and without. How do we survive? By recommitting ourselves to the Lord and His ways. “In the Lord’s name” is not a magical incantation. It’s a reminder that our lives and our deeds should be dedicated to Him. Just as when we pray “in Jesus’ name” isn’t magical, but a reminder that our lives and our prayers should align with what He wants and what He would do. And then, when God restores and rescues us, it is only right that we praise and give thanks!

For additional worship: Pray (Sanctus Real)