In The Word
Read: Psalm 3-4
Morning Prayer of Trust in God.
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
3 O Lord, how my adversaries have increased!
Many are rising up against me.
2 Many are saying of my soul,
“There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah.
3 But You, O Lord, are a shield about me,
My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
4 I was crying to the Lord with my voice,
And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.
5 I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God!
For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek;
You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to the Lord;
Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.
Evening Prayer of Trust in God.
For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
4 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
2 O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach?
How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah.
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself;
The Lord hears when I call to Him.
4 Tremble, and do not sin;
Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And trust in the Lord.
6 Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?”
Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord!
7 You have put gladness in my heart,
More than when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
What a great confidence to know that the Lord is on your side! “If God is for us; who is against us?” (Romans 8:31b). This is a truth that King David was reminding himself of. David was in the middle of great distress because his own son was conspiring against him. In David’s distress, he and all of his people fled into the wilderness. It was there that he ascended the Mount of Olives and cried out to God. David’s enemies were increasing, some were saying that he even deserved to die. So David lifted up his voice to the Lord. It is on this mount that he reminded the Lord of his situation and the overwhelming odds. But it is on this mount that God also reminded David of who He is, that He is his Shield, his Sustainer, and his Deliverer. It is in this moment of prayer that King David was refreshed and reminded that his God is bigger than his distress. David’s outlook changed. He realized that God was on his side and that he could lie down and sleep in peace.
What situation in your life is causing you distress? Maybe the earthly reality looks overwhelming. Have you stopped and cried out to God? Have you stopped to look at your situation through a divine lens? God is for you, like He was for David, He is going before you to bring the victory. Place your problems before God, and you too will be reminded that your God is bigger than your distress.