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On the morning of June 6, we attended the memorial service at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer. We were pleasantly surprised to see what a God-honoring service it was. We sang many hymns, Scripture was read, and prayers were prayed in Jesus' name. One such prayer included these words: "Let us remember all who have gone before us to the presence of God; those whom we love, but see no longer; whom we call to mind today with gratitude. We pray that, in them, God's purpose may be fulfilled. We give thanks that He calls all of us to His hope of resurrection, when we shall be reunited." This reminds me of our theme from yesterday: God's sovereignty.
We also sang the hymn, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer". Consider the lyrics below:
Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.
I thought to myself, why did the organizers choose to sing this hymn at the memorial service? I think the hymn speaks specifically to the fleeting nature of our lives (calling us pilgrims in this world), but moreover, to the steady provision and guidance of the Lord through the wilderness. Just as He walked with Israel through the wilderness after being delivered from Egypt, we sing this song in remembrance of these things so that we will have assurance of the Lord's continued guidance through the wilderness wandering of our own lives and the dark moments we may face.
"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people." (Exodus 21-22)
Are you faced with a great uncertainty? As you read this, are you needing the Lord's guidance for something today? (Hint: we all do!) Pray a prayer like this today before you continue on with your day:
Lord, you are my great redeemer. Help me today to follow you as you lead me. Thank you for providing all that I need. I surrender control and trust your mighty hand to protect, guide, lead, and provide for me.
In Jesus name, Amen.
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