Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 19, 2024
Psalm 3:1-8
1 LORD, I have so many enemies! So many are standing against me. 2 So many are talking about me: “Even God won’t help him.” Selah 3 But you, LORD, are my shield! You are my glory! You are the one who restores me. 4 I cry out loud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Selah 5 I lie down, sleep, and wake up because the LORD helps me. 6 I won’t be afraid of thousands of people surrounding me on all sides. 7 Stand up, LORD! Save me, my God! In fact, hit all my enemies on the jaw; shatter the teeth of the wicked! 8 Rescue comes from the LORD! May your blessing be on your people! Selah
Good Morning! Love came down at Christmas!
The Psalmist, David, goes through the gamut of emotions in this short passage. First, he sets the scene; next, he proclaims his faith, then he “tells” God what to do, and finally, he goes back to proclaiming his faith.
I am encouraged when I read of God’s chosen ones working through struggles. One time, I told someone that, on occasion, I argued with God. He said, “You can’t argue with God!” Throughout the Bible, we read of those who walked away from what God called them to do. Of course, in the end, they return and do as God calls them.
If we only read of everyone dropping everything or doing the impossible things that God asked of them, we would assume that we had already messed up so badly that we had no chance at redemption. Seeing the human flaws in our Bible heroes allows us to have hope that with God’s grace, we, too, will come out okay.
When I read, “In fact, hit all my enemies on the jaw; shatter the teeth of the wicked!”
I smile and realize that even I am saveable. The Holy Spirit working within us is rubbing away the tarnish and smoothing out the rough edges so that we may focus on our faith journey as we listen to God directing us. Praise be to God!
Loving Lord, We are your children! You, our creator, know our innermost thoughts. You are patient as we work through the pieces of our lives. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God is ready to listen and respond to all of our worries and struggles.
God hears our cry! Pastor Liz
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