John Adams (the lawyer made famous by defending the accused British Soldiers of the Boston Massacre) is recorded to have a profound but important reflection within days of signing the Declaration of Independence.
“…(Independence) should be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty…..through the gloom (of war and death) I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than the means; that posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even though we (may regret) it, which I trust in God we shall not.”

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17 ESV)

The reflection of Adams connects with Psalm 34 completely for me as I read Adams commentary. The Lord also had me in this Psalm and as He always does, I was challenged...

I sought the LORD (How do you seek Him? On your face, on your knees, quietly, verbally…totally?), and he answered me (He is FAITHFUL) and delivered me from all my fears (see 1 John 4:18). Those who look to him are radiant (Moses’ face – do you hide your face after you have been with Him – at the store, at work, getting fuel, getting cut-off on the roadway?), and their faces shall never be ashamed (Rom 1:16). This poor man cried (aren’t we all – poor does not always mean money), and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
(Psalm 34:4-7 ESV)

When coming along side of Service members who have seen the worst in human beings across the globe, the guilt they can feel for surviving, guilt for what they did or in some cases, what they didn’t do. Walking them through the NEW normal for them is a roadway that has to lead to Jesus. No matter the hole in their heart, Jesus can fill it – pray that they seek Him and understand that He who had no sin, became sin, was nailed to a tree, felt the wrath and separation from His Father and gave His life for all of us who spit in His face during a midnight trial – but He was raised from the grave to conquer death for us all.
There is no coincidence that a Special Forces team is made up of 12….where are you in the battle?

GOT ARMOR?

Father God – I pray to you today that as a body we would be so committed to you, so filled with you, so close to your presence that as our water bottle is shaken there is no room for anything but YOU to come out. I pray that you would reveal to us all what sin is blocking each us from You. Father, I thank you for my Country, for those who have given their lives for this country and Father for those that have given their lives in Your name…I thank you and I praise you in JESUS name…
Amen

Adrian "AG" Green