Today’s Reading: Psalms 32, 33, 34, 36, 37
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8
There are times in our lives when we wonder if God is watching — if He is going to respond to what is happening around us. The psalmist felt that way at times – times when he was struggling and needed desperately to hear from God. But this same psalmist, David, used his songs to celebrate the wonder of His God. This morning I choose to join David in simply sitting back and relaxing in who our God is.
The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.
Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.
For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. – Psalm 33:6-9
He is our Creator. He made us and, therefore, He understands us (33:15). He is our help and our shield, surrounding us with His unfailing love. In Him alone we can put our trust (33:20-22).
WE CAN TRUST THE LORD.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy…
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles…
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help…
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. – Psalm 34:4-6,15-19
There are so many scriptures that warn us that we will experience troubles and difficult times. Consider John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” There is no promise that our heart will never hurt or that we will never face disappointments or persecution in this life. But we serve a God of unfailing love who never leaves us. He is bigger than any difficulty we are facing.
WE CAN TRUST IN HIS UNFAILING LOVE.
Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity find shelter in the shadow of your wings.
You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. – Psalm 36:5-9
Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
So rejoice and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! – Psalm 32:10-11
Lord, we praise you for being our fortress in times of trouble. You are the God who rescues the godly from the hands of the wicked. You are our help in times of uncertainty. Today we choose to find our shelter in you and you alone (Psalm 37:39-40). Amen.