This picture was taken while going up Mt. Haleakala located on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. It’s now a dormant volcano but was responsible for forming most of Maui.  Deep inside the earth, there is all this built up negative energy that is spewed up and released through volcanos.

There’s a lot of negative things on the inside of people too. As we read today in Psalm 59, the jealousy of Saul towards David caused an eruption of anger that desired to kill David. Some friends of David had warned him about Saul so David had escaped and was on the run from Saul and his men.

In life, there is not only jealousy but fear, frustration, and anxiety. There is a need for us to replace those negatives with positives so we can flourish. The more we have confidence in a bright future, the more our frame of mind contributes to favorable conclusions. That’s one benefit of reading the Bible. We read about how God’s power and mercy releases these negative emotions so a load is lifted as we step ahead along the journey.

Today, we read about how David who replaced the negatives he faced in life with positives. David desired deliverance from his enemies who lied about him. They are described as snarling like dogs and their words are like sharp swords (v. 7). But David is sure of triumph because he knows he can rely on God who is his strength, his refuge in times of trouble, and his fortress.

In this world we live in, we all need protection from those against us. Like David, be sure of triumph and put your trust in God for His long-range plan of deliverance. Put things in His hands and be patient to let His perfect way work for total judgment and justice.

This day with You Lord, we choose not to be defined by our circumstances but to focus on Your goodness and be thankful. There are good days and bad days but we know the outcome is in Your hands. Your plan for our life brings hope for better days ahead because we have faith in Your promises. Amen.