Representative Mac Jackson delivered the invocation to open the session of the Georgia House of Representatives, reading from Psalm 34 and urging patience in the face of adversity.
Jackson, who serves in the House and as pastor of Saint James Christian Fellowship Church, read from Psalm 34, saying, "I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth." He tied that passage to the story of David at Ziklag (First Samuel chapter 30), describing David's distress after the town was attacked and his family taken captive and noting that leaders sometimes face blame from their own people during crises.
Invoking Hebrews chapter 12, Jackson urged lawmakers to "run with patience the race that is set before us," and used a familiar phrase to make his point: "When you pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too," he said. He closed by giving thanks for the opportunity to serve Georgia and for House leadership.
An unidentified member representing the 128th House District introduced Jackson and identified him as the day's chaplain. The invocation concluded and the House proceeded with its business.