Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 17:6-10
Ps 17:6-10
6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. 7 Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings 9 from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. 10 They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.
John 13:1, 34-35
1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Abraham had a son in his old age named Isaac. It is said that his life was bound up in Isaac. I have an only son and he is the apple of my eye. He has a son who is our only grandson and he is also the apple of my eye. We understand how special this means they are to my wife and me and how far we would go to protect them.
The psalmist uses this terminology to describe just how special he is and what he means to God. He knows that God loves him beyond what words can describe and that he can depend on God to protect him and keep him from harm. Whatever he faces in life and whoever opposes him, he knows that God is always taking care of him. He places his trust in the great love of God the Father.
We too can trust God in our lives. No matter what we face and no matter who opposes us, we can depend on God to protect us and to take care of us. God has already shown his great love to us in giving his Son to die for our sin. Paul says that since this is true, how can God not now freely give us all things? He also says that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we can ask or think. Add to this the promise that God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear but with the temptation will provide a way of escape. Others may betray us or desert us but God will never leave us or forsake us. God is faithful.
Heavenly Father I am so thankful for your great love. I am thankful that you know me, even know me by my name. Increase my faith so I will always want to be faithful to you in all I do and say. Help me cultivate a heart of compassion and love so I will seek ways to help and serve others. Be with your people everywhere, but especially in places where they are being persecuted for their faith. Protect them and give them strength to remain faithful to you. Give strength to those who are battling to overcome addictions. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
