Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 118:8-14
Ps 118:8-14
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Heb 13:20-21
20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
God never sent his people into battle without being with them and giving them the victory. He always provided just what they needed to win. At times the odds seemed stacked against them and at other times the battle plan seemed foolish but when they trusted him instead of horses, chariots or alliances with other kings and nations they would win. When they turned to Egypt or Babylon for help, they failed. He had told them it would be this way but they did not listen.
In our lives today we can trust God and his word to lead us and show us the way or we can follow the teachings of the experts and their books. In every phase of life, from raising our children to finding happiness and peace, there are volumes of books to instruct us. Some of these are helpful because they are based on the word of God. Many others are contrary to his word and will lead us down a futile and destructive path. God is our helper and he alone can protect us.
As we face our personal battles we must remember that the ultimate victory is not physical health, financial success, wealth or external happiness. God gives these to us to enjoy for a while but the real victory is when we leave this earth and go to be with the Lord. The Lord is our strength and our song.
Heavenly Father, holy and great is your name. Your majesty is beyond my ability to understand and your wisdom beyond finding out. As I ponder your greatness, I stand in awe as I think you have promised to live in me. Increase my faith and my commitment to you so that it is not my will but your will that I seek to practice in my life. It is hard to suffer physical ailments or to watch others suffer. For these I ask your help. It is even harder to see some living in sin and in disregard for you and for these I ask your convicting power. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
