Read Psalm 35 – It all comes down to relationship, not religion. This Psalm felt somewhat like I was eavesdropping on David’s lunch date with God. He is so transparent in his need and desired outcome.
The Lord is teaching us about the relationship he longs for in this Psalm. Notice how specific David is. He asks the LORD to contend with those who contend with him in verse :1. That is somewhat general, but he goes on to say, “Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me.” :2-3. That is quite specific.
Beloved, when you pray be specific. If you pray vague prayers, how will you even know if they’ve been answered?
We had quite an adventure landing in Costa Rica on Monday. There was a heavy rain cloud over the airport forcing us to circle for a bit in hopes of it moving on. This monster cloud was so low and treacherous that the runway was too dark and slippery to safely set down our plane. David prayed that against his enemies, “May their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.” :6 (side note, we did land safely about 30 minutes late… praise God, no need to divert to San Jose for fuel!)
David goes on in his petition then says something curious. “Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in His salvation.” :9 The way I relate to this is how much sweeter our landing was, knowing God answered many prayers and showed us favor. An uneventful landing would not have stirred the round of joy and delight this one did. My pilots are extremely talented, but they cannot move the weather.
As you consider David needs, consider your own. What is the last answered prayer you can recall? Are you aware of who you are praying to? Words of praise and adoration will get your heart in a right place, and your words will be a light for others.
“My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long. ” :28
Tag: worship
Psalm 29
Read Psalm 29 – Now that’s a leader! “Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” :1-2
Could you imagine your father, your boss, your political representative, even your president making these statements? How great would life be if those in the lead had it right?
But we are not here for what if’s. Each of us is the leader of their own life; may it start with us. May we be the ones to call out for glory, honor, worship and praise to the LORD. Perhaps you are in need of a reminder. Our psalm is a good one to go back to anytime life feels off balance.
Try this, re-read it aloud. Imagine you are reading this to a crowd with dramatic authority in your voice. Yes. Now, have an amazing day!
Genesis 13
Read Genesis 13 – Back to basics. When one strays from the LORD and nothing is working simply go back to the last place you heard from Him and do what you did in the beginning.
Remember, the LORD did not call Abram to Egypt. At this point in the story, both Abram and Lot are wealthy ranchers. Beloved, take note that wealth does not equal wholeness or contentment. We are designed with those longings which only God can fill.
Abram goes back to the last place he heard from God, between Bethel and Ai, :4. The land could not sustain all the livestock between the two men, and fights were breaking out among the herdsmen :6-7. Abram proposes that they separate and gives Lot first choice of land. Lot chose the fertile land of the entire Jordan Valley, drawing close to Sodom, even though the people were known for their wickedness :10-13.
Then, LOOK at what God’s Word says, “As soon as Lot had gone, the LORD said to Abram, ‘Look as far as you can see in every direction – north, south, east and west. I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession.’ “ :15 Plus, God adds more descendants than grains of sand… remember, Sarai has been barren thus far. And God tells Abram to walk the land He is giving him. And Abram settled near an oakgrove, trees known for deep roots, in Negev, and built an altar to the LORD.
Beloved, God wants you to delight in all that He gives you – when is the last time you “walked the land” he has given you? When is the last time you worshipped Him sacrificially as Abram built the altar… we may not do that today, but we can give, we can sing in worship, pray and give thanks. Remember, gratitude to the LORD changes everything. Your gratitude glorifies God and makes your heart right.🍁❤🙌🙏🙌❤🍁