Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 18:43-50
Ps 18:43-50
43 You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations; people I did not know are subject to me. 44 As soon as they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cringe before me. 45 They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds. 46 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! 47 He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, 48 who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. 49 Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to your name. 50 He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.
Heb 11:39-40
39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Read that portion of the Psalms again. Can you imagine the power and respect that David had in his lifetime? He had gone from a shepherd boy to a fugitive and outlaw and then he was made king of Israel. When he became king, Israel was not the largest or most powerful nation around. But in a few short years he had a world empire, and everyone stood in awe of him. It would have been so easy for him to forget God, become proud and take the honor to himself.
David never forgot that he was both who and where he was because God had given it to him. He never put his trust in his army, his horses or his chariots. He always trusted God to give him the victory over his enemies.
No matter how much we achieve in this world we must remember that we have it because God has given it to us. Some may reply that they have worked hard to get an education or to advance in their career, but it is God who gives the intellect to learn in school and it is God who gives the opportunities for advancement. We owe all we have and all we are to God. We must trust him and praise him with thanksgiving in all things. What a wonderful God we serve!
Heavenly Father, it is with thanksgiving that I come to you today. Thank you for all of the physical blessings I enjoy in my life. Thank you for my wonderful family that is such a blessing to me. Thank you for the spiritual blessings in Christ that afford me a worldwide family and continued encouragement. There are many who are suffering for their faith and I ask your blessings on them. Give them your strength to remain faithful. Help me see the needs of others and give me wisdom to help whenever possible. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus my Lord.
Robert
