July 7, 2021
SURROUNDED WITH GOD’S SHIELD OF FAVOR David wrote of God’s loving-favor and blessing as a shield that surrounded him, both protecting him from harm without, and comforting him with acceptance within. It may seem unusual to visualize God’s love and favor as a shield, which is a defensive weapon of war. But David felt surrounded
July 7, 2019
SURROUNDED WITH GOD’S SHIELD OF LOVE David wrote of God’s loving-favor and blessing as a shield that surrounded him, both protecting him from harm without and comforting him with acceptance within. It may seem unusual to visualize God’s love and favor as a shield, which is a defensive weapon of war. But David felt surrounded
July 7, 2016
David’s crying and groaning were directed to the Lord in prayer. His distress was expressed as an appeal to God. He did not complain to others, nor cry out to man, but to the One who could really help. He knew how to “encourage himself in the Lord” (1 Sam.30:6). Many wallow in their worries and seek solace in expressing their anxiety to others, but David turned his concerns into prayerful confession. Instead of anxious self-talk, he prayed to God.
Are you able to do this?
January 5, 2016
This is more an expression of resolve by the petitioner than an expectation that the Lord will hear the petition. “O Lord, in the morning [and every morning thereafter] you [will] hear my voice.” The psalmist David is expressing his determination to begin his days in prayer. He uses metaphoric language in the Hebrew to describe how he will pray. He speaks like an archer, saying “I will send my prayer towards You and to You alone, and watch to see that it hits the target.” Or like a priest, David plans to “prepare” his prayer like a morning “sacrifice,” arranged carefully upon the altar, and then, to watch the smoke arise to the throne of heaven. David is determined to begin his days in the offering up of prayers to God. These will not be sleepy, memorized mutterings, but carefully considered and arrayed prayers… prayers aimed at the heart of God.
July 7, 2014
Joy. Not the conditional stuff of happiness based on favorable circumstance. But joy, the stuff that pours into us from God’s omnipotent and unchanging Spirit. How do we find such joy? Not by searching for it. We find joy by taking “refuge” in the Lord and singing His praises. We find joy by loving His “Name” and letting the joy of God flood our souls. Are you suffering with the Monday blues? Rather than seeking happiness or even joy, seek the Lord Himself. For an overwhelming joy overflows from His Spirit to those who take refuge in Him.
July 7, 2012
Agreeing with the Psalmist this morning… Lord, thank you for listening to me. You are always faithful to hear my prayers. I await Your reply. Speak Lord, Your servant is listening too.