Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
November 21, 2021
Read Psalm 27:1-14
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The LORD is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything? 2 When evildoers come at me trying to eat me up it’s they, my foes and my enemies, who stumble and fall! 3 If an army camps against me, my heart won’t be afraid. If war comes up against me, I will continue to trust in this: 4 I have asked one thing from the LORD, it's all I seek: to live in the LORD’s house all the days of my life, seeing the LORD’s beauty and constantly adoring his temple. 5 Because he will shelter me in his own dwelling during troubling times; he will hide me in a secret place in his own tent; he will set me up high, safe on a rock. 6 Now my head is higher than the enemies surrounding me, and I will offer sacrifices in God’s tent sacrifices with shouts of joy! I will sing and praise the LORD. 7 LORD, listen to my voice when I cry out, have mercy on me and answer me! 8 Come, my heart says, seek God’s face. LORD, I do seek your face! 9 Please don’t hide it from me! Don’t push your servant aside angrily, you have been my help! God who saves me, don’t neglect me! Don’t leave me all alone! 10 Even if my father and mother left me all alone, the LORD would take me in. 11 LORD, teach me your way; because of my opponents, lead me on a good path. 12 Don’t give me over to the desires of my enemies, because false witnesses and violent accusers have taken their stand against me. 13 But I have sure faith that I will experience the LORD’s goodness in the land of the living! 14 Hope in the LORD! Be strong! Let your heart take courage! Hope in the LORD!
Good Morning! Be strong! Let your heart take courage!
David goes through a broad range of emotions in these few short verses. He first states his belief that the Lord is great and will take care of him in times of need. He then seems to become a little panicked as he cries out and asks the Lord to stay by his side. Finally, he recounts his sure faith as if to remind himself that God is with him.
Most of us experience similar feelings at one time or another. We stand tall in our faith and proclaim our Lord especially when we are in a good place where everything is going pretty well. What happens when we hit a challenge? We start out okay, but the longer or more involved the challenge becomes the more difficult it becomes to stay centered in our faith.
We let our small worries grow into anxiety that festers inside of us. We start focusing on our anxiety and we can lose sight of God. Like David, we might panic a bit and call out, “Are you still there, God? I really need you right now.” When anxiety is controlling our thoughts, we put up walls to protect ourselves which actually close us off from anyone who can help, including God.
When David restates his faith at the end of the passage, he is reminding himself of his sure faith so that he can tear down his self-constructed walls, turn over his worries to God, and rest in the hope of God’s assurance. It’s only when we try to “take care” of everything ourselves that we feel vulnerable. Turn over your worries to God, and you will have room in your heart, soul, and mind for God’s love and peace. Holdfast to your faith, God is with us always!
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. Help us let go of those things that are not within our power. For you nothing is impossible! Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When we wait in faith, we will see the goodness of God.
Stand tall in your faith! Pastor Liz
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