Prayer from January 13, 2021

 Lord, 

After reading Nahum chapter one, I have learned that you are a God who loves justice--you fight for the hurting and oppressed. You do not dole out punishment carelessly or randomly, for as Nahum reminds me, you are a "jealous and avenging" God. 

While this may seem scary, it reminds me that you love and seek justice, especially for those in great anguish from oppression. 
You hear cries of distress. 

When are you my stronghold? 
When I turn to you.
When are you good and just? 
Always.

These are qualities that are not contingent upon my personality, perspective, or response.
Nahum illustrates how you are powerful in both justice and mercy ("slow to anger"), the unity of which is also reflected in the death of Jesus on the cross. 

2 Kings chapter 19 reminds me that you alone are God.
Not dead, but alive. 

Lord, help me to run to you in distress,
to grieve injustice,
to practice humility and repentance 
in my own life.

amen.