Hope Even In Trials

Psalm 22 was probably written while David was being trapped by Saul and his men in the wilderness. The beginning of this psalm describes how David feels as he goes through tremendous emotional and physical difficulty and the first verse is quoted by Jesus on the Cross.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
So far from my cries of anguish?

There is evidences found in this psalm that suggest more than only immediate implications. As stated, many of the words used also describe the emotional and physical agony that our Lord went through at the crucifixion. This psalm calls all to the Lord in fulfilling His plan by spreading the gospel message through each generation.

There are times when life seems impossible to get through but then all of a sudden, something changes. God has a way of setting up events to benefit those who continue to seek Him. In this case, the event in history is Israel being invaded and Saul having to divert his attention away from his search for David.

Therefore, the ending of this psalm is more positive with David gaining confidence and giving praise to God. The lesson for us is to hang in there and keep going because God will set up events for our benefit.

Lord, this day help us when facing trials to have hope even in trials. Through difficulties, our faith can start building momentum for a brighter future. As we keep stepping ahead, let there be new growth as hope and joy wraps the gift of eternal blessings. Amen.

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Never Shaken

For the king trusts in the Lord;
            through the unfailing love of the Most High
            he will not be shaken. – Psalm 21:7 

Sharing in the post “Trusting the Lord”, David desired success in overcoming his enemies and in prayer he asks God for help. He thanks God for listening and granting his spiritual request and asks for eternal blessings.

When we follow God’s plan for us, we are assured of gaining victories in various situations throughout life. There will be challenges but as in this video: We Won’t Be Shaken – Building 429.  As we gain victories, our response will be to give God the glory as we gain momentum each day.

 

 

Index of devotionals

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Trusting The Lord

The nation was faced with the possibility of war which prompted the writing of Psalm 20-21. Expressed in Psalm 20 is what the people want from their leader (vv. 1-5) and what the leader wants from the Lord (vv. 6-9). In Psalm 21, David is looking ahead to when the war is won; thanking God for the victory.

The people wanted a leader that had the power of God on his side. King David desired God’s blessing to be a good leader, to be successful in overcoming his enemies and the courage to take on each challenge. In prayer he asks God for help.

King David goes to God in prayer because he knew that the strength of a nation is not in weaponry but in worship; not in fire power, but in God’s power. In the times of today, we face wars too; not only against radical groups that want to kill us but enemies unseen within our own culture.

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The battle is won by preparing for the actions to take as we step ahead; taking in spiritual food to fortify for the intense fight. Just like King David, we can trust in You Lord for Your power and not be shaken. We are thankful for You listening to our prayers and granting us with the desire to take on the challenges of life with You by our side. We look forward to eternal blessings. In Jesus name. Amen.

 

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The Week Ahead

This week, we will be sharing some thoughts from the study of Psalm 20-22.

Below are some questions for reflection: 

Psalm 20-21
What type of situation prompts these psalms? What things does David desire? What do you do when surrounded by trouble? Who is at the center of your plans? How do you go about getting victories in various situations? What is your response to victory?

Psalm 22
What emotional and physical experience prompt the expression of verses 1-2? What makes the difference between the beginning and ending of this Psalm? What evidences do you find that this psalm has more than only immediate implications?

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

It all starts with receiving a plan from God through faithful, consistent, and powerful prayer. Here is a video/poem to inspire you this day and throughout the week: This Day with God. 


Index of Devotionals

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Fulfillment

Here is a poem which inspires one towards successfully realizing your God given purpose. Working for a good cause brings true happiness and fulfillment in life. Have a wonderful weekend as you realize your God given purpose my friends!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

A person’s finest hour
And greatest fulfillment
Is the exact moment
Of a great achievement.

When a person has worked
Their heart out for a good cause
And reflects at the end
As they rest and pause.

Exhausted but victorious,
They’ve fulfilled their mission.
It all began with a plan
And it came to fruition.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-15-2016
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