Reading for Day 19
September 19
Eph. 6:1-9
Psalm 17:1-15
Prov. 3:33-35
September 19
Eph. 6:1-9
Psalm 17:1-15
Prov. 3:33-35
Where do we go when we are stuck in the lonely spot of being unjustly criticized and condemned? We may be moved by our emotions in the wrong directions of unhealthy talk or even vengeance. David as he models so often in the Psalm goes to God. God knows the truth. There is nothing hidden from Him. One of the greatest things David shows us is honesty and transparency in the presence of God. In verse one David talks about being honest with himself in the presence of God.
“Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.”
Sorting through the expressed falsehoods and accusations that go with this kind of experience is tough and yet vital. David continues with
“You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing amiss, for I am determined not to sin in what I say.”
What criticisms are true, where did I go wrong, what do I need to correct and what are untruths. To honestly evaluate things is tough. It is also an effort to not allow the lies to stick inside of us. Where do we go for justice? Who can be our advocate? Who knows the truth? David processes these things in the only place of real justice, God’s presence. And there he gains strength as he requests to be guarded like the apple of God's eye. Now it seems a bit presumptuous to ask to be the apple of God’s eye. And yet that is a wonderful truth that we need to claim. We are precious to God. We do matter to Him. We are the apple of His eye. And this can be very strengthening when we are being attacked. Our enemies see no value in us. David boldly asks to be guarded as the apple of God’s eye. David finds refuge from the chaos of all of this in the shadow of God’s wings. When the rest of the world misjudges us we can be at peace in the shadow of God’s wings. When you think of it, God’s opinion of the situation and us matters more than any other. To sense His favor and vindication can give us grace to respond supernaturally. The most vital relationship we have is our relationship to God.
Reading for Day 20
September 20
Eph. 6:10-20
Psalm 18:1-15
Prov. 4:1-6
September 20
Eph. 6:10-20
Psalm 18:1-15
Prov. 4:1-6
6 comments:
Our only deliverance comes from the Lord. I pray for God's wisdom in all that I do. I also pray for all our fellow Christians, for their strength, their message, and their faith.
I love Eephesians 6. We may not have been perfect parents, but we sure are thankful that both of our girls know the Lord as their Savior. I think we've fine-tuned our parenting as we've gotten older. They never stop asking for our guidance.
Wow, this one really hit home. Thank you. Now to apply it...
Great lesson today. It is tough to not let your enemies get you down, but knowing you are with God puts everything in the right place.
It is good to know we will be delivered.
Mick
still reading. David
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