Daily Reading: 4-8-16
Psalm 30:6-12 New Living Translation (NLT)
Daily Reading: 4-8-16
Psalm 30:6-12 New Living Translation (NLT)
6
When I was prosperous, I said,
“Nothing can stop me now!”
7
Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain.
Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.
8
I cried out to you, O Lord.
I begged the Lord for mercy, saying,
9
“What will you gain if I die,
if I sink into the grave?
Can my dust praise you?
Can it tell of your faithfulness?
10
Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me.
Help me, O Lord.”
11
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
12
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
Every human being can wander into a mindset of thinking he or she is invincible. When everything is going well, it feels like nothing can ever change, doesn’t it? We can become self-sufficient, stop relying on God and His favor, and place our confidence and satisfaction in things that are temporal rather than things that are eternal. This can happen even when we have a heart for God. We have a spiritual enemy who desires to hinder our focus and trust in God; thus, the presence of temptation. Our choices are a response to temptation; those choices are not always wise. We can be shattered physically, mentally, or emotionally in minutes if we do not grab ahold of the wisdom and strength of God.
King David tasted the power of God, as well as the intoxicating feeling of invincibility that came with riches and power. Because he could demand anything he wanted, the power went to his head. But, God has a way to keep His family humble and David learned the fragility of his own strength when faced with the great enemies of his soul (mind/will/emotions). David learned when he was truly invincible was when he was actually experiencing God’s favor and operating in the Lord’s strength not his own strength. Like every human who looks for a relationship with God, David learned to be wise through some difficult times. What was his approach to difficulties? David cried out to God and drew on His character of mercy to deliver him. The word is repentance; a turning back to recognize all things come from the goodness of God. God is always faithful to bring restoration to a life that is open for change.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for teaching me today about the importance of maintaining a humble attitude about my life; wisdom and joy are found in my humility before You. Truly, in many ways I see Your favor and strength operating in my life and I give you praise! Continue to make this journey with me and help me to hang onto the joy of my salvation by staying close to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.