Hi friend, how are you doing? What’s been weighing on your heart the past few days (or weeks) as this Covid-19 pandemic continues to linger on? Has there been a particular book of the Bible or passage that’s been ministering to you during this time? How have you been doing emotionally? I know my emotions have been up and down and all around. I think partially because of that, the Lord has been often bringing me to the Psalms. The words of the psalmists have been helping me pray, helping me trust, helping me stand firm on the promises and faithfulness of our God. And so once again, I invite you to visit a particular psalm with me today. May it become our own, personal prayer before the Lord:
A Psalm of David, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack” (Psalm 34:1-9)!
Lord thank you that in all things it is right for me to praise You. Thank you that no matter what I am struggling with today, You remain worthy of my praise and adoration. Thank you that my emotions, my fears, my doubts never threaten Your character. You are always good, always loving, always just. Your heart is merciful and compassionate. You have declared Yourself to us that we may live in unwavering confidence, assured that You are, “…The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” (Exodus 34:6). You never change - so my soul will make its boast in You, Oh God. Holy Spirit I surrender to You. I desire that my heart might continually praise the Lord of heaven and earth.
Just as David, may I invite others to worship with me. Lord I pray that when others hear how I am enduring this season, they would be able to notice Your peace and joy within me. Give me boldness, Holy Spirit to speak of Your works with friends, with neighbors, with anyone open to hear. Deliver me from my fears that keep me quiet and timid. Open my eyes to see the needs around me, both physically and spiritually. Give me understanding and ears to hear what people's hearts are saying, that I may be Your mouthpiece, speaking directly to their need.
We are such needy people, Oh God. We need Your hand of deliverance stretched out towards us. We need Your mercy and compassion to move upon our behalf. Oh God there are still so many who don’t see their need for deliverance. There are still so many who have put their hope in the government, in scientists and researchers, in “chance,” in their own ability to remain isolated or “safe.” There are still so many who don’t see their greater need of deliverance from sin. Only You can open their eyes to their need for rescuing. Holy Spirit, remove the veil of darkness that covers mankind from his sin. Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life – open the eyes of those who are blind to see You for who You truly are to come to know the truth. God, may many join us, your people, to taste and see each day that You are good. May we know peace and the blessings that are ours today as we take refuge in You and You alone, Oh God. You are our deliverer. You have always been the God who delivers His people for Your glory, for Your fame. Thank you for this declaration over myself today, “Oh, fear the Lord [state your name here], you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack” (Ps. 34:9)! May Your praise continue to come from my mouth. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Today’s Bible Reading: Psalm 34; Exodus 34
-Nancy Martin
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