URC Daily Devotions 10th December The Second Sunday of Advent

The LORD’s my saviour and my light—
who will make me dismayed?
The LORD’s the stronghold of my life—
why should I be afraid?

When evildoers threaten me
to take my life away,
My adversaries and my foes
will stumble in that day.

Although an army hems me in,
my heart will feel no dread;
Though war against me should arise,
I will lift up my head.

One thing I’ll plead before the LORD,
and this I’ll seek always:
That I may come within God’s house
and dwell there all my days—

That on the beauty of the LORD
I constantly may gaze,
And in his house may seek to know
direction in his ways.

For in his dwelling he will keep
me safe in troubled days;
Within his tent he’ll shelter me,
and on a rock me raise.

My head will then be lifted high
above my enemies;
And in his tent I’ll sacrifice
with shouts of joy and praise.

LORD, hear me when I call to you;
be merciful and speak!
“Come, seek my face!” you told my heart;
your face, LORD, I will seek.

O do not hide your face from me,
and do not turn aside
Your servant in your righteous wrath,
for you have been my guide.

O God my Saviour, leave me not;
do not reject my plea.
My parents may forsake me, LORD,
but you will welcome me.

Teach me, O LORD, how I should live,
and lead me in your way;
Make straight my path, because my foes
oppress me every day.

Give me not over to the will
of vehement enemies;
For liars rise to slander me
and breathe out cruelties.

Yet I am sure that in this life
God’s goodness I will see.
Wait for the LORD; be strong, take heart.
For him wait patiently.