Today’s verse was used by Handel as the inspiration for the first chorus of Messiah. When I read this part of Isaiah, I have to listen to a recording of Messiah. Otherwise, I will have the chorus running through my head on a never-ending loop!
“For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; And the government shall be upon His shoulder, And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/isa.9.6.AMP
Heavenly Father, Mighty God, Your name has power. That’s why Jacob asked You what Your name was after He wrestled with You. He wanted to have some control over You. But, You never told him. When Moses asked the same question for the same reason, You just said, “I Am.” This is because no one has more power or is greater than You, Lord.
Wonderful Counselor, lean in close to hear my heart’s confession. You know the longings of my heart and my desires. Please guide me in Your path. I don’t lean on my own understanding, but trust you to guide me. Your advice is always perfect. You don’t force Your will on me. But, I have followed my free will enough times to know that You don’t make mistakes like I do. If I allow You to counsel me, I know that I will be walking the way of righteousness.
Everlasting Father, there’s no end to Your reign. Before the world was made, You existed. When this world ends and the next begins, You will still be on Your throne. You have perspective that I don’t. When I pray for things, I do it with my limited human understanding of the past and the present circumstances. But, when You answer prayers, You do it with Your complete and total understanding of the past, present, and future. Please help me to trust You when things are bleak. I know that You will never leave me in the dark place. But, with my human frailty, I don’t see the light of the future.
Prince of Peace, come and rule over my heart. My heart needs Your peace, because it’s very volatile. I need Your peace, so I can just get through the day. The world is not a peaceful place, and that disharmony rubs off on me. It causes me to fret and feel anxious. Please guide me and show me how I might live a life filled with Your peace that passes all understanding.
Jesus, thank You for making Yourself known to me. As I reflect on Your sacrifice that was motivated by the purest love, I realize how truly unworthy I am to receive this gift. At the same time, I am so profoundly grateful. A mere “thank You” is not the correct response to this gift. The only response I have is to live a life where every moment is lived in a state of gratitude.
Holy Spirit, You are the Advocate that was sent by Jesus, after He returned to the Father, to remain with us. I am so thankful that I don’t know where to begin. You remain with me and You teach me every day what makes up a life that is lived in connection with God. You give me discernment to know right from wrong. You give me the words to speak and write. You make it possible for me to love the unlovable. You also intercede for me on my behalf in the Heavenly realm. I absolutely couldn’t do life without You.
God, You are the wind beneath my wings. You are my shepherd. You are every single breath that is in my body. You are the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. You are Amazing Grace. You are the Rock of Ages. Without You, there’s no me. My thank You’s seem so puny compared to You, but it’s all I have. Thank You for drawing near to me. I love You, Lord. Amen.
Journey with Monica 