Looking Back At Psalms 52-57 For Encouragement On The Journey Ahead

For the last few weeks, the journey has taken me through Psalms 52-57. David faced many challenges fleeing from Saul. He was oppressed, in fear, and his world was crumbling around him, but he handled it with poise. Below, is food for thought gained from this group of Psalms that provide encouragement on the journey ahead!

A lesson from Psalm 52 is that the heart of God is for the righteous and the reward belongs to them. Anyone who deceives or lies to look good, will have their day coming. God can do far greater than we could ever do to even the score and ultimately bring victory.

A thought from Psalm 53 is the importance of putting our attention on the things of God so we are prepared for the world. Wisdom begins by seeking God, understanding His Way, and applying our faith.

From Psalm 54, noted was that there are times when it seems the challenge is too big. That’s when we need to have confidence that God is bigger, take courage by believing God’s angels are near, and take on the challenge before us even if it is scary.

Brought out in Psalm 55 was the poise of David. Through all the difficulty, he reacted with optimism. The advantage of being a follower of Christ is the poise gained to withstand adversity. The attitude embraced is positive because there is faith that everything is going to turn out all right and the future will be bright.

David was going through difficulty and wrote the poem in Psalm 56. In the poem, we learn that God was gracious to David and eventually He was able to escape to the cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 22:1).

David’s response to the challenges he faced while fleeing from Saul was to praise God and this day, we can respond the same way. Never get discouraged for opportunity often comes disguised as difficulty so keep thoughts of God’s compassion in mind. 

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Whispers of Fear in the Ear

When I was younger, I didn’t have many fears. I was like the kid in the photo with the courage to do anything but some things I did may not have been so smart. Now that I’ve reached a certain age, it’s like being a kid again but with better judgment. I may be over the hill, but fix’n to pick up speed!

David needed speed for the situation he faced in Psalm 54. He was on the run from Saul who was trying to kill him. David was surrounded and went to God for help. It’s the same for us today as sometimes it seems the enemy surrounds us and we hear whispers of fear in the ear.

The thing to do is go to God for help. The whispers of fear in the ear are a lie. Boldly step ahead because God is bigger than fear. He will give courage and judgment to make the best decision going forward.

Index of devotionals

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Poetry Friday 03-17-2023

A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post Listen and Follow that points out that it takes no effort for our bad habits like a lack of focus, discipline, faith, etc. to zap our energy so the bad habits set in. We become separated from God.

There is a way to reconnect! Listen to the song Christ in Me by Jeremy Camp and remember that because of Christ in us, we are just one step away from being recharged to do the amazing. This day with God, have the desire to listen and make the decision to follow God’s Plan for Us.

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I Take Refuge

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
   For in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
   Until the disaster has passed. – Psalm 57:1

A thought from “The Shadow of His Wings” is that there are times when we need to take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. Then we can evaluate and choose the way to go. As long as we choose the prompting of the Spirit, there is liberty and ultimate victory. There is mercy that removes worry as we make our request and are blessed.

Stand today in your Savior’s Shadow like the song by Blake Shelton. Take the following words as yours today and repeat them throughout the day.

The enemy is trying to break me
But today I’m set free
As I get down on a knee
Confident that Jesus will not forsake me
Because grace sets me free

Index of devotionals

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In The Shadow Of His Wings

The inspiration for Psalm 57 is David running from Saul and escaping into the cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 22:1). David uses the image of being in the shadow of God’s wings. The images of David’s enemies include lions whose teeth are spears and arrows. Whose tongues are like sharp swords!

There are times when all of us need to take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings. Then we can evaluate and choose the way to go. As long as we follow the prompting of Holy Spirit, there is liberty and ultimate victory. There is mercy without worry as we make our request and are blessed.

God’s love is so great that it reaches from heaven and His faithfulness reaches down from the skies to earth. He will rescue us in the hard times of life so let us go to Him in prayer. Prepare our heart by setting aside a quiet time for Bible study and prayer.  This will build goodness within and influence those around us.

This day with God, trust that everything works out for those who are called according to His plan. Ask for God to fulfill His purpose for you and begin to throw yourself into it. When you are bound by a purpose, you keep going and have the will to stay the course.  Here is a link to God’s Plan for Us that will help to keep you on course to spiritual success.

Lord … You are with us always and will never abandon us in our time of struggle. We continue to read Your Word, pause, reflect, and evaluate as we step ahead along Your path. You came with this simple request: repent … ask for forgiveness … be blessed. We are aligned with your plan for us and have chosen the way in which the light of the Spirit shines ahead to direct our steps. Amen

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