Daily Devotion (September 24, 2024)
Psalm 56:3–4
3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?
When I was growing up, my mother told me, “If you get into a fight when you get home you will get a beating.” I tried my best not to fight. I did not necessarily have a fear of the one who wanted to fight me (well yes, I did), but I sure did have a real fear of my mother.
God knows we have enemies. Of course, our worst enemy is Satan. We can be our second worst enemy. The enemy of Satanic influence can surround us. Sometimes it seems the best thing to do is give in.
The Philistines harassed David. They pursued him like hungry panting animals and David cried out for mercy. Today Satan is still attacking. If we are professing Christ to the world Satan will be there attacking us in all areas of our lives. So, where do we put our trust? We put our trust in God. In the heat of battle, we sing out to God in praise. I love Psalm 20:7
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” There is no defeat in God.
Romans 8:28
28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
God works all things out for those who love Him. The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly are used by God to bring out His purpose in our lives. The last part of the verse says, “to those who are the called according to his purpose.” God will use all things to carry out His plan and purpose for our lives. Sometimes God uses others to help us see ourselves. There can be blind spots in our lives. God uses circumstances and others to help us see the blind spots.
Joshua 1:9
9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” This is an important verse for us to carry. God is going to call us to do the impossible. He will call us to do only those things He can do through us. Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” There are times when people will intentionally do us harm. How do we handle this? Use the words of Joseph. Understand God can take the evil of others and use it for our good.
Psalm 112:7
7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
A believing heart is a steadfast heart, one that is not easily shaken by bad news or difficult circumstances. The writer of this verse was confident that the Lord could handle any problem that might come his way.